Using Statistical Learning to Investigate the Characteristics that Contribute to Extended Hospital Stays After Testicular Cancer Surgery

Testicular cancer (TC) is a relatively rare but highly treatable malignancy that originates in the germ cells of the testicles. It primarily affects young men, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 35, though it can occur at any age. The most common histological subtypes are seminoma and non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs), the latter including embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma. The length of hospital stay (LOS) following surgery is a crucial indicator of clinical outcomes and resource utilization. This study examines the length of stay (LOS) after testicles cancer surgery at the Antonio Cardarelli Hospital in Naples, Italy, using a statistical learning technique. It builds on previous studies on the causes of extended hospital stays in surgical oncology. The main findings provide a chance to enhance patient care and quality by illustrating how the clinical and organizational aspects of the surgical technique impact hospital stays.