Readmissions after colorectal surgery: not all are equal

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to assess factors associated with preventable readmissions after colorectal resection. Methods: All readmissions following colorectal resection from May 2013 to May 2016 at an academic medical center were reviewed. Readmissions that could be prevented were identified. Factors associated with preventable readmission were assessed using logistic regression. Results: Of 686 patients discharged during the study period, there were 75 patients (11%) with unplanned readmission. Twenty-nine readmissions (39%) were preventable—these readmissions were due to dehydration or acute kidney injury, pain, ostomy complications, and gastrointestinal bleeding. On regression analysis, the strongest preoperative risk factors associated with preventable readmission were urgent or emergent operation (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.6–9.9), recent myocardial infarction (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.0–9.0), total or subtotal colectomy (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.1–7.3), and American Society of Anesthesiologist score ≥ 3 (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0–4.7). Intraoperative risk factors associated with preventable readmission included intraoperative stapler complication (OR 24.2, 95% CI 1.5–397). Postoperative risk factors associated with preventable readmission included postoperative arrhythmia (OR 5.6, 95% CI 2.0–16.1), and postoperative anemia (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2–5.7). On multivariable analysis while controlling for procedure type, urgent or emergent operation (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.1–8.2), intraoperative stapler complication (OR 37.5, 95% CI 2.3–627.8), and postoperative arrhythmia (OR 4, 95% CI 1.3–12.8) remained statistically significant. Conclusion: Approximately 40% of readmissions following colorectal surgery are potentially preventable. Since specific patients and factors that are associated with preventable readmission can be identified, resources should be targeted to factors associated with preventable readmissions.