Discharge to inpatient facilities after lumbar fusion surgery is associated with increased postoperative venous thromboembolism and readmissions

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Postdischarge care is a significant source of cost variability after posterior lumbar fusion surgery. However, there remains limited evidence associating postdischarge inpatient services and improved postoperative outcomes, despite the high cost of these services.

PURPOSE

To determine the association between posthospital discharge to inpatient care facilities and postoperative complications.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review of all 1- to 3-level primary posterior lumbar fusion cases in the 2010-2014 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry was conducted. Propensity scores for discharge destination were determined based on observable baseline patient characteristics. Multivariable propensity-adjusted logistic regressions were performed to determine associations between discharge destination and postdischarge complications, with adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 18,652 posterior lumbar fusion cases were identified, 15,234 (82%) were discharged home, and 3,418 (18%) were discharged to continued inpatient care. Multivariable propensity-adjusted analysis demonstrated that being discharged to inpatient facilities was independently associated with higher risk of thromboembolic complications (OR [95% CI]: 1.79 [1.13–2.85]), urinary complications, (1.79 [1.27–2.51]), and unplanned readmissions (1.43 [1.22–1.68]).

CONCLUSIONS

Discharge to continued inpatient care versus home after primary posterior lumbar fusion is independently associated with higher odds of certain major complications. To optimize clinical outcomes as well as cost savings in an era of value-based reimbursements, clinicians and hospitals should consider further investigation into carefully investigating which patients might be better served by home discharge after surgery.