Comparison of safety and utilization outcomes in inpatient versus outpatient laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a retrospective,cohort study

BackgroundLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common type of bariatric surgery performed in the United States and may be performed on an outpatient basis. Limited literature exists comparing outcomes of outpatient and inpatient LSG, and study results are conflicting.ObjectivesTo compare safety and utilization outcomes of outpatient versus inpatient LSG.SettingsRetrospective, multihospital database study (Optum Pan-Therapeutics Database).MethodsPatients 18 years of age and older who underwent LSG between October 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018, were identified from the Optum Pan-Therapeutics Database and classified as having undergone outpatient or inpatient surgery. Nearest neighbor propensity score matching and generalized estimating equations accounting for procedural physician-level clustering were used to compare the following outcomes between outpatient and inpatient LSG: all-cause 30-day patient morbidity, hospital readmission, readmission length of stay, bariatric reoperation. and mortality.ResultsWe identified 22,945 patients (outpatient: 1542; inpatient: 21,403) meeting the study inclusion criteria. After propensity score matching, the inpatient and outpatient groups contained 1542 and 13,903 patients, respectively. Bariatric reoperation (n = 13) and mortality (n = 5) were rare events occurring in <.1% of all cases. Compared with the inpatient group, the outpatient group had a statistically significant lower readmission length of stay (4.63 versus 3.23 days; P = .0057). Otherwise, there was no significant association between procedure setting and 30-day overall morbidity (4.8% versus 5.3%; P = .5775) or hospital readmission (2.6% versus 2.1%; P = .1841).ConclusionsSafety and utilization outcomes were similar between outpatient and inpatient LSG, and outpatient LSG was associated with shorter hospital readmission length of stay.     

Robot-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy in obese and morbidly obese women

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) in obese patients is challenging. We sought to evaluate whether total laparoscopic hysterectomies using the da Vinci robotic system in obese patients, in comparison with non-obese patients, is a reasonable surgical approach. One-hundred consecutive robot-assisted TLHs were performed over a 17-month period. Obesity was not a contraindication to robotic surgery, assuming adequate respiratory function to tolerate Trendelenburg position and, for cancer cases, a small enough uterus to allow vaginal extraction without morcellation. Data were prospectively collected on patient characteristics, total operative time, hysterectomy time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, and complications. Outcomes with non-obese and obese women were compared. The median age, weight, and BMI of the 100 patients who underwent robot-assisted TLH was 57.6 years (30.0–90.6), 82.1 kg (51.9–159.6), and 30.2 kg/m² (19.3–60.2), respectively. Fifty (50%) patients were obese (BMI ≥ 30); 22 patients were morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 40). There was no increase in complications (p = 0.56) or blood loss (p = 0.44) with increasing BMI. While increased BMI was associated with longer operative times (p = 0.05), median time increased by only 36 min when comparing non-obese and morbidly obese patients. Median length of stay was one day for all weight categories (p = 0.42). Robot-assisted TLH is feasible and can be safely performed in obese patients. More data are needed to compare robot-assisted TLH with other hysterectomy techniques in obese patients. Nonetheless, our results are encouraging. Robot-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy may be the preferred technique for appropriately selected obese patients.     

Reasons and Risk Factors for 30-Day Readmission After Outpatient Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Review of 3015 Cases

BackgroundA higher volume of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is starting to be performed in the outpatient setting. However, data on appropriate patient selection in the current literature are scarce.MethodsPatients who underwent primary TKA were identified in the 2012-2017 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Outpatient procedure was defined as having a hospital length of stay of 0 days. The primary outcome was a readmission within the 30-day postoperative period. Reasons for and timing of readmission were identified. Risk factors for and effect of overnight hospital stay on 30-day readmission were evaluated.ResultsA total of 3015 outpatient TKA patients were identified. The incidence of 30-day readmission was 2.59% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.02-3.15). The majority of readmissions were nonsurgical site related (64%), which included thromboembolic and gastrointestinal complications. Risk factors for 30-day readmission include dependent functional status prior to surgery (relative risk [RR] 6.4, 95% CI 1.91-21.67, P = .003), hypertension (RR 2.5, 95% CI 1.47-4.25, P = .001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (RR 2.4, 95% CI 1.01-5.62, P = .047), and operative time ≥91 minutes (≥70th percentile) (RR 1.9, 95% CI 1.17-2.98, P = .008). For patients who had some of these risk factors, their rate of 30-day readmission was significantly reduced if they had stayed at least 1 night at the hospital.ConclusionOverall, the rate of 30-day readmission after outpatient TKA was low. Patients who are at high risk for 30-day readmission after outpatient TKA include those with dependent functional status, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and prolonged operative time. These patients had reduced readmissions after overnight admission and seem to benefit from an inpatient hospital stay.     

Effects of Electrosurgery and Vaginal Closure Technique on Postoperative Vaginal Cuff Dehiscence

Background and Objectives:

The aim of our study is to evaluate the role of electrosurgery and vaginal closure technique in the development of postoperative vaginal cuff dehiscence.

Methods:

From prospective surgical databases, we identified 463 patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for benign disease and 147 patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) for cancer. All TLHs and LAVHs were performed entirely by use of electrosurgery, including colpotomy. Colpotomy in the TLH group was performed with Harmonic Ace Curved Shears (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, OH, USA), and in the LAVH group, it was performed with a monopolar electrosurgical pencil. The main surgical difference was vaginal cuff closure—laparoscopically in the TLH group and vaginally in the LAVH group.

Results:

Although patients in the LAVH group were at increased risk for poor healing (significantly older, higher body mass index, more medical comorbidities, higher blood loss, and longer operative time), there were no vaginal cuff dehiscences in the LAVH group compared with 17 vaginal cuff dehiscences (4%) in the TLH group (P = .02).

Conclusion:

It does not appear that the increased vaginal cuff dehiscence rate associated with TLH is due to electrosurgery; rather, it is due to the vaginal closure technique.     

Health resource utilization and costs during the first 90 days following robot-assisted hysterectomy

Introduction and hypothesis

To compare health resource utilization, costs and readmission rates between robot-assisted and non-robot-assisted hysterectomy during the 90 days following surgery.

Methods

The study used 2008–2012 Truven Health MarketScan data. All patients admitted as inpatients with a CPT code for hysterectomy between January 2008 and September 2012 were identified and the first hysterectomy-related admission in each patient was included. Patients were categorized based on the route of their hysterectomy and the use of laparoscopy as: total abdominal hysterectomy, vaginal hysterectomy (VH), laparoscopy-assisted supracervical hysterectomy, laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy’ and total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). Hospitalization costs, including hospital, physician, pharmacy and facility costs, were calculated for the index admissions and for the 90-day follow-up periods. Health resource utilization was determined in terms of inpatient readmissions, outpatient visits, and emergency room visits,

Results

There were 302,923 hysterectomies performed over 5 years for benign indications in the inpatient setting (55% abdominal, 17% vaginal, and 28% laparoscopic). Concurrent use of robot assistance steadily increased and was reported in 50% of TLH procedures in 2012. The rates of readmission overall were 4.9% for robot-assisted procedures and 4.3% for procedures without robot assistance (OR 0.89, CI 0.82–0.97). Readmission rates were lowest for VH (3.2%) and highest for TLH (5.6%). Following robot-assisted hysterectomy and VH, 8.3% and 4.6% of patients, respectively, had more than ten outpatient visits in the 90-day follow-up period. The average total cost for 90 days was $16,820 for robot-assisted hysterectomy and $13,031 for procedures without robot assistance. Of the additional costs for robot-assisted surgery, 25% were incurred in the 90-day follow-up period.

Conclusions

The study using private insurance data found that robot-assisted hysterectomy was associated with higher health resource utilization and costs than other minimally invasive approaches. Given the high costs associated with robot-assisted hysterectomy, it is important to understand the specific indications for this approach and to identify the patients who may benefit.

     

Risk Factors for Delayed Discharge and Adverse Outcomes Following Outpatient Billed Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe volume of outpatient total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has increased with advances in perioperative protocols, patient selection, and recent policy changes regarding insurance authorization. This study analyzed 30-day outcomes from a national database to better understand risk factors for delayed discharge (length of stay [LOS] ≥1), readmission, and reoperation after outpatient TKA.MethodsThe National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was utilized to collect TKA (CPT 27447) billed as outpatient surgery performed from 2013 to 2018. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and short-term outcomes were collected and compared in LOS 0 versus LOS ≥1 cohorts. Subgroup analysis was completed for TKA performed in 2018, after the Center for Medicare Services removal of TKA from the inpatient-only list.ResultsA total of 13,669 patients had outpatient TKA performed from 2013 to 2018. Most patients had LOS ≥1 day (77.1%). The LOS 0 cohort demonstrated a lower 30-day readmission rate (1.8%) compared to LOS ≥1 (2.8%), P > .01. Both groups demonstrated a low 30-day reoperation rate, LOS 0 (0.7%) and LOS ≥1 (1.1%), P = .05. Regression analysis demonstrated risk factors for LOS ≥1 day included COPD, ASA ≥3, age >75, and BMI >35 kg/m². Regression analysis demonstrated male gender, age >75, ASA ≥3, and albumin <3.5 g/dL were risk factors for readmission. Hypertension was a risk factor for 30-day reoperation.ConclusionRisk factors for LOS ≥1 day include age >75, ASA ≥3, BMI >35 kg/m². In addition, BMI >35 kg/m² was a risk factor for readmission and reoperation. These findings reinforce appropriate patient selection when considering outpatient TKA.     

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy and laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy

Background and Objectives:

To compare the feasibility of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) in the treatment of benign gynecologic diseases and to determine the selection criteria for each technique.

Methods:

This was a retrospective medical records review of 168 patients who underwent TLH or LAVH performed by one surgeon. A chi-square test was used to compare the difference between the TLH and LAVH groups. Pearson''s correlation coefficient was calculated for the relationship between the clinico-demographic factors of the patients.

Results:

There were no differences between the 2 groups with respect to age, parity, history of abdominal delivery, body mass index, and indication for hysterectomy. The operative time was similar between the 2 groups (P>.99). The uterine weight was greater in the LAVH group compared to the TLH group (P<.01). Ten patients were converted from TLH to LAVH, because of a large uterus and/or a lower segmental mass on the uterus, making it difficult to expose the Koh cup rim contour.

Conclusions:

TLH and LAVH are safe, feasible methods by which to perform a hysterectomy. LAVH is preferred in patients with a mass involving the lower segment or a relatively large uterus.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 30-day readmission rates following burns

IntroductionUnplanned hospital readmissions in surgical areas account for high costs and have become an area of focus for health care providers and insurance companies. The aim of this systematic review is to identify the rate and common reasons for unplanned 30-day readmission following burns.MethodsThis study was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. Pubmed, Web of Science and CENTRAL databases were searched for publications without date or language restrictions. Extracted outcomes included 30-day readmission rate and reasons for readmission. Pooled 30-day readmission rate was estimated from weighted individual study estimates using random-effect models. Pooled estimates for risk factors are reported as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsA total of eight studies were included into qualitative analysis and six (four adults, two children) into quantitative analysis. The overall readmission rate was 7.4% (95% CI 4.1–10.7) in adults and 2.7% (95% CI 2.2–3.2) in children. Based on two studies in 112,312 adult burn patients, burn size greater than 20% total body surface area (TBSA) was not a significant predictor of readmission rate (OR 1.75, 95% CI 0.64–4.75; NS). The most common reasons were infection/sepsis, wound healing complications, and pain in both adults and children.DiscussionUnplanned readmissions following burns are generally low and appear more common in adults than in pediatric patients. However, only few studies are reporting on 30-day readmission rates following burns. Evidence is limited to support a significant association between greater burn size and higher readmission rates. Since cost effectiveness and utilized hospital capacity are becoming an area of focus for improvement in health care, future studies should assess the risk factors of unplanned readmission following burns. Follow-up assessments and outpatient resources, even if not underlined by this data, could reduce readmission rates.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO: CRD42019117649.     

Recent Increases in Outpatient Total Hip Arthroplasty Have Not Increased Early Complications

BackgroundOutpatient total hip arthroplasty (THA) has increased in recent years. Recent regulatory changes may allow and incentivize outpatient THA in more patients; however, there are concerns regarding safety. The purpose of this study is to assess early complications in outpatient THA compared to longer hospitalization.MethodsWe identified patients undergoing primary THA in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database between 2015 and 2018. Patients were stratified by length of stay (LOS): 0 days (LOS 0), 1-2 days, and ≥3 days. Thirty-day rates of any complication, wound complications, readmissions, and reoperation were assessed. Multivariate analysis was performed.ResultsIn total, 4813 (4%) patients underwent outpatient THA, 84,627 (64%) had LOS of 1-2 days, and 42,293 (32%) had LOS ≥3 days. LOS 0 patients were younger, had lower body mass index, and less medical comorbidities compared to those with postsurgical hospitalization. Any complication was experienced in 3.2% of the LOS 0 group, 5.3% of the LOS 1-2 group, and 15.6% for the LOS ≥3 group (P < .0001). Readmission rates were 1.6%, 2.6%, and 4.7% for the 3 groups, respectively (P < .0001). After controlling for confounding variables, patients with LOS 1-2 days had higher odds for any complication (odds ratio 1.56 [1.32-1.83) and readmission (odds ratio 1.41 [1.12-1.78]) compared to LOS 0 days. Patients with LOS ≥3 days had higher odds for complications compared to LOS 0 or 1-2 days.ConclusionOutpatient THA had lower odds for readmission or complications compared to LOS 1-2 days. Despite increased outpatient surgery, many patients had postsurgical hospitalization and, due to patient factors, this remains an integral patient of post-THA care.     

Class 3 obesity is not associated with same-day admission in obese patients undergoing parathyroidectomy

ImportanceRising rates of obesity and outpatient performance of parathyroidectomies are making it increasingly crucial to investigate the association of obesity with post-operative complications.ObjectiveTo determine whether Class 3 obesity is associated with increased same-day admission compared to lower obesity classes following outpatient parathyroidectomy.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingOutpatient surgery.Patients12,973 patients ≥18 years old who underwent outpatient parathyroidectomy between 2014 and 2016, per the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry.InterventionsPrimary exposure variable: body mass index (BMI), with patients assigned to one of six cohorts.MeasurementsPrimary outcome measure: same-day admission. Secondary outcome measure: 30-day readmission. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Main resultsThere was a final sample size of 12,973 adult patients who underwent parathyroidectomy from 2014 to 2016. The admission rate for BMI ≥30 and < 40 kg/m² (reference cohort) was 42.6%. The admission rates for Class 3 obesity categories were 46.2%, 56.2%, and 52.6% for those in the BMI range of ≥40 kg/m² and < 50 kg/m², ≥50 kg/m² and < 60 kg/m², and ≥ 60 kg/m², respectively. On multivariable logistic regression, there were no difference in the odds of 30-day hospital admission or readmission rate with any of the BMI cohorts when compared to the reference group.ConclusionsThere is no significant difference in rates of same-day admission or 30-day readmission between any Class 3 (BMI ≥40 kg/m²) obesity cohort and the Class 1 and 2 (BMI ≥30 and < 40 kg/m²) reference cohort following outpatient parathyroidectomy. This corroborates the notion that BMI classes cannot be used in a vacuum to determine eligibility for outpatient parathyroidectomy – a concept that can guide safe and cost-effective institutional practices.     

A shortened course of Amoxicillin/Clavulanate is the preferred antibiotic treatment after surgery for perforated appendicitis in children

Background/purposeDespite evidence supporting short course outpatient antibiotic treatment following appendectomy for perforated appendicitis, evidence of real-world implementation and consensus for antibiotic choice is lacking. We therefore aimed to compare outpatient antibiotic treatment regimens in a national cohort.MethodsWe identified children who underwent surgery for perforated appendicitis between 2010 and 2018 using the PearlDiver database and compared 45-day disease-specific readmission between children who received shortened (5–8 days) versus prolonged (10–14 day) total antibiotic courses (inpatient intravenous and/or oral) completed with outpatient Amoxicillin/Clavulanate versus Ciprofloxacin/Metronidazole, and compared antibiotic type (5–14 days) to each other.Results4916 children were identified, 2001 (90.0%) treated with Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (5–14 days), 381 (19.0%) with shortened (5–8 days), 1464 (73.2%) with prolonged (10–14 days) courses. 222 (10.0%) were treated with Ciprofloxacin/Metronidazole, 44 (19.8%) with shortened, 174 (78.4%) with prolonged courses. Freedom from readmission was not different between prolonged and shortened course whether they received Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 1.54, 95%CI 0.95–2.5) or Ciprofloxacin/Metronidazole (AHR 3.49, 95%CI 0.45–27.3). Antibiotic type did not affect readmission rate (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate versus Ciprofloxacin/Metronidazole, AHR 1.21, 95%CI 0.71–2.05).ConclusionProlonged antibiotic regimens are routinely prescribed despite evidence suggesting shorter courses and antibiotic choice are not associated with greater treatment failure. As it is better tolerated, we recommend a shortened course of Amoxicillin/Clavulanate for oral management of perforated appendicitis.Study designRetrospective.Level of evidenceLevel III.     

Dehydration risk factors and impact after bariatric surgery: an analysis using a national database

BackgroundDehydration is a common complication after bariatric surgery and often quoted as the reason for emergency department (ED) visits and readmission.ObjectiveWe sought to investigate risk factors for dehydration after bariatric surgery and evaluate its impact on ED visits and readmission.SettingThe Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database.MethodsWe used the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database to identify patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) from 2016 through 2017. The primary outcome was need for outpatient treatment of dehydration within 30 days postsurgery. Secondary outcomes were association between need for outpatient dehydration therapy and 30-day readmission or ED evaluation not resulting in admission.ResultsOf 256,817 patients, 73% underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and 27% LRYGB. Of 9592 patients who required dehydration treatment, they were more often younger than age 40, female, black, had a ≥3-day length of stay during their index admission, and experienced a postoperative complication. More patients receiving LRYGB than laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy required treatment for dehydration. On multivariable analysis, independent-risk factors for postoperative dehydration treatment included LRYGB, length of stay ≥3 days, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hypertension, previous deep vein thrombosis, chronic steroid/immunosuppression, and a postoperative complication. Patients who developed dehydration requiring treatment compared with those that did not had adjusted odds ratio of 3.7 (95% confidence interval: 3.44–3.96; P < .001) and 22 (95% confidence interval: 21.05–23.06; P < .001) of readmission and ED visit.ConclusionDehydration is a strong risk factor for postoperative ED visits and readmission. Closer surveillance and proactive measures for those at higher risk may prevent the development of postoperative dehydration.     

Outpatient Total Hip Arthroplasty Performed at an Ambulatory Surgery Center vs Hospital Outpatient Setting: Complications,Revisions, and Readmissions

BackgroundOutpatient total hip arthroplasty (THA) utilization continues to grow. Literature suggests outpatient THA may result in low rates of complications and readmission. There are no studies comparing safety profiles of THA performed at ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) vs hospital outpatient (HOP) settings.MethodsProspectively collected data were reviewed on all patients who underwent THA from 2013 to 2018. ASC and HOP subgroups were compared, investigating difference in demographics, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists subgroups, all complications, revisions, emergency department (ED) visits, and readmissions within the first 90 days of surgery. An additional subgroup analysis of patients younger than 65 years was performed.ResultsTwo surgeons performed 3063 THAs during the study period, including 965 outpatient cases (ASC = 335; HOP = 630). Thirty-seven (3.8%) complications occurred within 90 days. No differences were found between groups for 90-day complication rates (ASC = 13, 3.9%; HOP = 24, 3.8%; P = .48), revision rates (ASC = 0, 0%; HOP = 2, .3%; P = .30), all-cause reoperation rates (ASC = 1, 0.3%; HOP = 5, 0.8%; P = .35), ED visits (ASC = 3, 0.9%; HOP = 2, 0.3%; P = .23), or readmission rates (ASC = 2, 0.6%; HOP = 9, 1.4%; P = .25).ConclusionTHA can be safely performed in both ASC and HOP settings with low 90-day postoperative complication, revision, reoperation, ED visit, and readmission rates. Based on the populations studied, we identified no statistically significant differences in rates of complications between ASC and HOP groups.     

Safety of outpatient adrenalectomy across 3 minimally invasive approaches at 2 academic medical centers

BackgroundOutpatient adrenalectomy has the potential to decrease costs, improve inpatient capacity, and decrease patient exposure to hospital-acquired conditions. Still, the practice has yet to be widely adopted and current studies demonstrating the safety of outpatient adrenalectomy are limited by sample size, extensive exclusion criteria, and no comparison to inpatient cases. We aimed to study the characteristics and safety of outpatient adrenalectomy using the largest such sample to date across 2 academic medical centers and 3 minimally invasive approaches.MethodsAll minimally invasive adrenalectomies were identified, starting from the time outpatient adrenalectomy was initiated at each institution. Cases involving removal of other organs, bilateral adrenalectomies, and cases in which a patient was admitted to the hospital before the day of surgery were excluded. Patient, tumor, and case characteristics were compared between outpatient and inpatient cases, and multivariable regression analysis was used to assess odds of 30-day readmission and/or complication.ResultsOf 203 patients undergoing minimally invasive adrenalectomy, 49% (n = 99) were performed on an outpatient basis. Outpatient disposition was more likely in the setting of lower estimated blood loss, case completion before 3 pm, and for surgery performed in the setting of nodule/mass and primary hyperaldosteronism versus Cushing’s syndrome, pheochromocytoma, and metastasis (P < .05). There were no significant differences in patient age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, procedure performed, or total time under anesthesia between inpatient and outpatient cases. On adjusted analysis, outpatient adrenalectomy was not associated with increased 30-day readmission rate (odds ratio 0.23 [confidence interval 0.04–1.26] P = .09) or 30-day complication rate (odds ratio 0.21 [confidence interval 0.06–0.81] P = .02).ConclusionOutpatient adrenalectomy can be performed safely without increased risk of 30-day complications or readmission in appropriately selected candidates.     

Association of pre-operative medication use with unplanned 30-day hospital readmission after surgery in oncology patients receiving comprehensive geriatric assessment

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine whether pre-operative medication use is associated with unplanned 30-day readmission in elderly people undergoing cancer surgery.MethodsPatients aged 65 years or older who were scheduled for cancer surgery and presented for comprehensive geriatric assessment were included. Comparisons of variables between patients with readmission and those without readmission were performed by univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsA total of 473 patients were included. Multivariate analysis showed that pre-operative discontinuation-requiring medications (PDRMs) and gastrointestinal/hepato-pancreato-biliary (GI/HPB) cancer were significant factors for 30-day readmission. PDRM increased the risk of readmission by about 2.2-fold. Attributable risk of PDRM to readmission was around 55%. The adjusted odds ratio and attributable risk for GI/HPB surgery was 3.4 (95% CI 1.0–11.5) and 70.8%, respectively.ConclusionsMedication use has an impact on unplanned 30-day readmission in geriatric oncology patients, further highlighting the importance of medication optimization for elderly patients with cancer surgery.     

Thirty-Day Readmissions After Aseptic Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: Rates,Predictors, and Reasons Vary by Surgical Indication

BackgroundRevision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) is performed for different surgical indications. With increasing attention being focused to minimize readmission risk, the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) was used to assess 30-day readmissions after rTHA for 3 aseptic indications.MethodsPatients undergoing rTHA were identified in the 2013-2017 NSQIP and classified as being performed for osteolysis/aseptic loosening, recurrent dislocation, or periprosthetic fracture. Rates and predictors of 30-day readmission were determined by indication. Reasons for readmission were also assessed as being either related or unrelated to the surgical site.ResultsOf 6104 patients meeting inclusion criteria, osteolysis/aseptic loosening represented 46% of the revisions (readmission rate: 6.2%), recurrent dislocation represented 33.2% (readmission rate: 10.9%), and periprosthetic fractures represented 20.9% (readmission rate: 9.3%). These readmission rates represented statistically significant variation across the 3 indications (P < .0001). On multivariate analysis, demographic, procedural, and postoperative predictors of readmission varied by indication.The osteolysis/aseptic loosening and periprosthetic fracture cohorts had surgical site-related readmissions in 43.9% and 42.4% of readmitted cases, respectively. On the contrary, readmissions after rTHA performed for recurrent dislocation were mostly surgical site-related (63.3%) and driven primarily by a postoperative dislocation. Further multivariate analysis showed that the rTHA indication of recurrent dislocation itself was the strongest predictor (odds ratio, 3.34; P < .0001) of a postoperative dislocation leading to a 30-day readmission.ConclusionThirty-day readmissions varied from 6.2% to 10.9% based on surgical indication for aseptic rTHA. Reasons for readmission also differed across the 3 cohorts. These findings may aid postoperative care pathways and protocol optimization.     

Radical prostatectomy readmissions: Causes,risk factors,national rates, & costs

IntroductionReadmissions have substantial clinical and financial impacts on the healthcare system. Radical prostatectomy (RP) is considered a standard treatment in the management of clinically localized prostate cancer. Yet, there is a paucity of research evaluating readmissions for RP in a national dataset.Patients and methodsPatients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer managed with RP were identified within the 2016 to 2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patient factors, facility factors, and surgical characteristics were evaluated for associations with readmission using univariable and multivariable analyses.ResultsA total of 133,727 patients receiving RP were identified. Early (30-day) and late (31–90-day) readmission rates were 4.2% and 1.8% respectively. The most common cause of early readmission was postoperative digestive system complication (10%) and the most common cause of late readmission was septicemia (13%). On multivariable logistic regression, factors associated with both early and late readmission include nonroutine discharge at index (early: OR 1.877, 95% CI 1.667–2.113; late: OR 1.801, 95% CI 1.490–2.183), and circulatory system comorbidity (early: OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.082–1.538); late: OR 1.515, 95% CI 1.157–1.984).ConclusionsOur findings regarding factors associated with readmission provide insight for RP counseling and may inform postoperative care pathways. Elucidation of readmission trends may allow the identification and proactive management of patients at higher risk for readmission.     

Postoperative care fragmentation in bariatric surgery and risk of mortality: a nationwide study

BackgroundReadmission after bariatric surgery may to lead to fragmentation of care if readmission occurs at a facility other than the index hospital. The effect of readmission to a nonindex hospital on postoperative mortality remains unclear for bariatric surgery.ObjectivesTo determine postoperative mortality rates according to readmission destinations.SettingNationwide analysis of all surgical facilities in France.MethodsMulticenter, nationwide study of adult patients undergoing bariatric surgery from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2018. Data from all surgical facilities in France were extracted from a national hospital discharge database.ResultsIn a cohort of 278,600 patients who received bariatric surgery, 12,760 (4.6%) were readmitted within 30 days. In cases of readmission, 23% of patients were admitted to a nonindex hospital. Patients readmitted to a nonindex facility had different characteristics regarding sex (men, 23.6% versus 18.2%, respectively; P < .001), co-morbidities (Charlson Co-morbidity Index, .74 versus .53, respectively; P < .001), and travel distance (38.3 km versus 26.9 km, respectively; P < .001) than patients readmitted to the index facility. The main reasons for readmission were leak/peritonitis and abdominal pain. The overall mortality rate after readmission was .56%. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of mortality for the nonindex group was 4.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1–8.1; P < .001). In the subgroups of patients with a gastric leak, the mortality rate was 1.5% and the OR was 8.26 (95% CI, 3.7–19.6; P < .001).ConclusionReadmissions to a nonindex hospital are associated with a 5-fold greater mortality rate. The management of readmission for complications after bariatric surgery should be considered as a major issue to reduce potentially preventable deaths.     

Comparison of nationwide trends in 30-day readmission rates after carotid artery stenting and carotid endarterectomy

ObjectiveCarotid revascularization procedures, carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA), are among the most common vascular interventions performed in the United States, with significant resource utilization. Whereas multiple studies have reported outcomes after these procedures, data regarding 30-day readmission rates after these interventions remain scant.MethodsThe U.S. Nationwide Readmission Database (2010-2014) was queried to identify all patients ≥18 years who were readmitted within 30 days after a hospital discharge for CEA or CAS.ResultsAmong 476,260 patients included, 13.5% underwent CAS and 86.5% underwent CEA. The combined 30-day readmission rate for all carotid revascularization procedures was 9.2% (10.6% after CAS and 9.0% after CEA). After 1:3 propensity matching, CAS was associated with higher risk of readmission compared with CEA (10.4% vs 9.4%). Neurologic complications and cardiac conditions were the two most common causes of readmission after both CAS (29.7% and 23.7%, respectively) and CEA (28.2% and 21.7%, respectively). The 30-day readmission rates were higher in CAS patients across all age groups as well as in those with a low or high baseline burden of comorbidities.ConclusionsIn this large nationwide study, CAS was associated with higher 30-day readmission rates compared with CEA irrespective of age or baseline burden of comorbidities. Neurologic or cardiac adverse events were responsible for >50% of readmissions after CAS and CEA.     

Interval appendectomy after perforated appendicitis: what are the operative risks and luminal patency rates?

BackgroundThe need for interval appendectomy after nonoperative management of a perforated appendicitis is being questioned owing to recent studies that estimated recurrence rates as low as 5% because of obliteration of the appendiceal lumen. We review our experience with interval appendectomy in this subset of patients to determine the postoperative outcomes and luminal patency rates.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of all children treated nonoperatively for a perforated appendicitis followed by elective interval appendectomy during the past 10 years. The data collected included initial hospitalization, convalescence period, perioperative course, and luminal patency rates.ResultsA total of 128 patients were identified, of whom 55% were male. Their mean ± SD age was 9.1 ± 4.2 years. The mean interval from the initial presentation to appendectomy was 65.9 ± 20.3 d. All but 2 of the patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy with 3 conversions to open surgery. The mean operative time was 43.6 ± 19.2 min. The complication rate was 9%, including 1 postoperative abscess, 1 reoperation for bleeding, and 1 readmission for Clostridium difficile infection. Six patients had a superficial wound infection, and 2 patients underwent outpatient procedures for suture granuloma. No risk factors for complications were identified. Of the specimens, 16% had obliterated lumens.ConclusionsMajor postoperative morbidity for interval appendectomy after a perforated appendicitis is low and should not be a deterrent in offering interval appendectomy to this subset of patients.