Patterns of readmission among the elderly after hepatopancreatobiliary surgery

Am J Surg. 2019 Mar;217(3):413-416. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2018.09.011. Epub 2018 Sep 21.

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to examine risk factors and outcomes of hospital readmission following complex hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery among the elderly.

Methods: The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried for patients ≥ 60 years who underwent HPB surgery during 2010-2015.

Results: The incidence of 30- and 90-day readmission was similar among patients 60-74 vs. ≥75 (P > 0.05). Patients age 60-74 years with ≥2 comorbidities had an increased odds of 30-day (OR 1.13, p = 0.021) and 90-day (OR 1.13, p = 0.005) readmission. Patients ≥75 years with ≥2 comorbidities had the highest in-hospital mortality (5%) whereas patients 60-74 years with 0 or 1 comorbidity had the lowest in-hospital mortality on readmission (3%).

Conclusion: Following an HPB procedure, roughly 1 in 7 elderly patients were readmitted within 30 days and 1 in 4 patients within 90 days. Elderly patients with multiple comorbidities were more likely to be readmitted at non-index hospitals.

Keywords: Elderly; Frailty; HPB surgery.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Comorbidity
  • Digestive System Surgical Procedures / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Hospital Mortality
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Readmission / statistics & numerical data*
  • Risk Factors
  • United States