Differential association of race with treatment and outcomes in medicare patients undergoing diverticulitis surgery

Abstract

Background: Observed racial disparities in diverticulitis surgery have been attributed to differences in health insurance status and medical comorbidity. Objective: To examine disparities in procedure type (elective vs urgent/emergency) and mortality in patients with surgically treated diverticulitis insured by Medicare, accounting for comorbidities. Design: Retrospective analysis of Medicare Provider Analysis and Review inpatient data. Patients: All blacks and whites 65 years and older undergoing surgical treatment for primary diverticulitis with complete admission and outcome data were eligible. Main Outcome Measures: In-hospital mortality was examined across procedure categories (elective vs urgent/emergency). Multivariable regression controlled for age, sex, and medical comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index). Results: A total of 49 937 whites and 2283 blacks met the study criteria. Blacks were slightly younger (74.7 vs 75.5 years, P