Unplanned readmission occurred in 7.5% of patients within 3 months after colorectal surgery, with surgical field contamination and long operation duration as key independent risk factors.
Cohort (n=1,421)
Yes
PURPOSE: Unplanned readmission after colorectal surgery is a relatively frequent event, knowledge of which often is inaccurate. This study was designed to examine the incidence and causes of readmissions and to determine the criteria that could predict them. METHODS: From June to September 2002, 1,421 patients were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter study performed by the Association Francaise de Chirurgie. The goal of the study was to determine mortality and morbidity after colorectal surgery for elective or emergency surgical management of diverticular disease or cancer. In the study, readmissions within three months after discharge were assessed. RESULTS: Of 1,421 patients, 342 patients (27 percent) were readmitted once after a mean period of 53 days. Among the readmissions, 248 (19.5 percent) were planned and 94 (7.5 percent) were unplanned (mainly for septic complications). With the multivariate logistic regression analysis, five independent factors were significantly associated with a higher risk of unplanned readmission (in order of importance): surgical field contamination, long duration of operation, need for an associated surgical procedure, hemoglobin level <12 g/dl, and absence of air testing after colorectal anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: The study permitted to individualize several factors significantly associated with a higher risk of unplanned readmission after colorectal surgery.
Guinier et al. (Mon,) conducted a cohort in Colorectal surgery for diverticular disease or cancer (n=1,421). Risk factors for unplanned readmission was evaluated on Unplanned readmission within three months after discharge. Unplanned readmission occurred in 7.5% of patients within 3 months after colorectal surgery, with surgical field contamination and long operation duration as key independent risk factors.