PURPOSE:
the aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for readmission among patients submitted to colorectal surgery.
METHODS:
a single-center colorectal quality-assessment database was queried for patients undergoing colorectal procedures with ileostomy during 2009. The sample was divided into readmitted vs. non-readmitted. Readmission was defined as admission within the first 30 days after the index procedure. Groups were compared by pre, intra and postoperative characteristics. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for readmission.
RESULTS:
the query returned 496 patients, [267 (54%) males, median age 48 years (IQR: 34-60)]. Eighty-three (17%) were readmitted; 296 patients (60%), were operated due to inflammatory bowel disease, 89 (18%) for cancer, 16 (3%) for diverticular disease and 95 (19%) for other diagnosis. The three most common procedures were total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in 103 patients (21%), total colectomy with end ileostomy in 117 (24%) and small bowel resections (including enterocutaneous fistula takedown and J-pouch excision) in 149 (30%). The following variables were significantly more common in readmitted patients: current smoking (24% vs. 14%, p = 0.02), postoperative DVT/PE (10% vs. 4%, p = 0.04), wound infection (20% vs. 10% p = 0.01), sepsis (22% vs. 8% p < 0.001) and organ or space surgical site infection (OrgSSI) (35% vs. 5%, p < 0.001). Postoperative OrgSSI was the only independent factor associated with readmission in a multivariate analysis (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION:
colorectal surgeons should be alert for OrgSSI when facing an ileostomy patient readmitted after a colorectal procedure.
Ileostomy; Readmission
