Evaluating the Incidence, Cause, and Risk Factors for Unplanned 30-Day Readmission and Emergency Department/General Practitioner Visit After Short-Stay Thyroidectomy

Clinical outcomes of outpatient thyroidectomy: A systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate the safety of outpatient thyroidectomy based on 24-h and same-day discharge criteria.

METHODS

CENTRAL, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus were searched. A meta-analysis of selected studies was performed. The review was registered prospectively with PROSPERO (CRD42022361134).

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies met the eligibility criteria, with a total of 74328 patients undergoing thyroidectomy in an outpatient setting based on 24-h discharge criteria. Overall postoperative complications after outpatient thyroidectomies were 5.7% (95%CI: 0.049-0.065; I2 ​= ​97.3%), consisting of hematoma (0.4%; 95%CI: 0.003-0.005; I2 ​= ​83.4%), recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (0.4%; 95%CI: 0.003-0.006; I2 ​= ​93.5%), and hypocalcemia (1.6%; 95%CI: 0.012-0.019; I2 ​= ​93.7%). The rate of readmission was 1.1% (95%CI: 0.007-0.015; I2 ​= ​95.4%). Results were similar for same-day criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis demonstrated that outpatient thyroidectomy is a safe procedure in the management of thyroid disease for selected patients.

Hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy: reactive to symptoms supplementation

INTRODUCTION

After total thyroidectomy (TT), postoperative hypoparathyroidism (PH) is the most frequent complication. Yet, management strategies for PH remain disputed. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of a reactive supplementation in case of symptomatic PH. Additionally, risk factors for symptomatic PH and readmission due to PH were analyzed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent TT or completion from 2017 to 2022 were considered for inclusion. During this period, a reactive to symptom vitamin-calcium supplementation was used. The primary outcome was the occurrence of severe PH after discharge resulting in readmission.

RESULTS

Overall, 307 patients were included, of which 98 patients (31.9%) developed symptomatic PH including 43 patients before discharge. Independent risk factors for developing symptomatic PH were age (p = 0.010) and postoperative day 1 (POD1) PTH level (p < 0.001). Overall, 264 patients (86%) did not present PH before discharge and were discharged home. Among them, 55 patients (20.8%) experienced symptomatic PH, requiring readmission in 18 patients. The overall readmission rate owing to symptomatic PH requiring intravenous supplementation despite oral vitamin-calcium supplementation was 6.8% (n = 18). Independent risk factors for symptomatic PH-related readmission were age (p = 0.007) and POD1 PTH level (p < 0.001). Adequate cut-off values for predicting readmission were POD1 albumin-adjusted calcium = 2.1 mmol/l (Sensibility = 0.95, Specificity = 0.30) and POD1 PTH = 11.5 pg/ml (Sensibility = 0.90, Specificity = 0.71).

CONCLUSION

Supplementing only symptomatic patients was safe and efficient. This attitude does not alter on morbidity, mortality or readmission rate which is in line with current literature.

A Parathyroid Hormone-guided Calcium and Calcitriol Supplementation Protocol Reduces Hypocalcemia-related Readmissions Following Total Thyroidectomy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of a 4 hour postoperative serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) guided calcium and calcitriol supplementation protocol on the incidence of hypocalcemia and hospital readmissions in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.

METHODS

This was a single institution, retrospective chart review of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, 148 had been operated on prior to the protocol implementation and 389 after. Hypocalcemia risk was stratified as low (PTH >30 pg/ml), medium (15-30 pg/ml), and high (<15 pg/ml), using serum PTH values obtained 4 hours postoperatively. Hypocalcemia was defined as a total serum calcium level <8 mg/dl. Baseline demographic and operative characteristics, and postoperative outcome were recorded for both groups. Fisher's exact test or Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to compare the characteristics of the two groups. A multivariable logistic regression model was applied to account for potentially confounding variables.

RESULTS

Postoperative hypocalcemia occurred significantly less frequently in the protocol group compared to the preprotocol group (10.3% vs. 20.9%, P=.002). The reduction in hypocalcemia in the protocol group was observed both in patients with (16.3% vs. 25.6%) and without (8.4% vs. 19.3%) cervical lymph node dissection. There was a significantly lower incidence of hospital readmission events in the protocol group compared to the preprotocol group (1.0% vs. 4.7%, P=.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to a historical cohort, a PTH-guided protocol for calcium and calcitriol supplementation significantly reduces postoperative hypocalcemia and hospital readmission rates, in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.

The Severity of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula Predicts 30-Day Unplanned Hospital Visit and Readmission after Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Unplanned hospital visits (UHV) and readmissions after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) impact patients' postoperative recovery and are associated with increased financial burden and morbidity. The aim of this study is to identify predictive factors related to these events and target the potentially preventable UHV and readmissions.

METHODS

We enrolled 518 patients in this study. Characteristics were compared between patients with or without UHV and readmissions.

RESULTS

The unplanned visit and readmission rate was 23.4% and 15.8%, respectively. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) grade B or C, the presence of postoperative biliary drainage, and reoperation were found to be predictive factors for UHV, whereas POPF grade B or C and the presence of postoperative biliary drainage were independently associated with hospital readmission. The most common reason for readmission was an infection, followed by failure to thrive. The overall mortality rate in the readmission group was 4.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

UHV and readmissions remain common among patients undergoing PD. Patients with grade B or C POPF assessed during index hospitalization harbor an approximately two-fold increased risk of subsequent unplanned visits or readmissions compared to those with no POPF or biochemical leak. Proper preventive strategies should be adopted for high-risk patients in this population to maintain the continuum of healthcare and improve quality.

Patients' Perspectives on Reasons for Unplanned Readmissions

Massachusetts has one of the highest rates of 30-day readmissions in the country. To identify patient-reported factors that may contribute to readmissions, we conducted semi-structured interviews with patients with unplanned readmissions within 30 days of inpatient discharge from the medicine services at an urban medical center between June and August 2016. Interviews with patients and/or proxies were conducted in English, Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese, then translated to English if necessary, transcribed verbatim, and deidentified. A team of four coders conducted the thematic analysis. Most patients did not identify factors associated with readmission beyond their underlying illness; however, a mismatch between the patient's clinical care needs and services available at postacute facilities, as well as poor communication between providers, facilities, and patients/proxies, were identified as contributing factors to readmissions. Non-English speaking patients and their families reported confusion with written discharge instructions, even if an interpreter provided verbal instructions. Patients will benefit from future interventions that aim to improve transfers to postacute care facilities, develop written materials in languages prevalent in the local population, and improve communication among providers, facilities, and patients and their families.

Implementation of a 23-h surgery model in a tertiary care hospital: a safe and feasible model with high patient satisfaction

Background

The 23‐h surgery model consists of elective operative care with an overnight hospital stay for patients unsuitable for day case surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the success of the 23‐h surgery model.

Methods

This was a prospective follow‐up study of patients undergoing surgery with the planned 23‐h model in a tertiary‐care university hospital during a 12‐month period 2 years after the model was implemented. Patients were interviewed 2 weeks after surgery, and the hospital operative database and patient records were searched. The primary outcome was the success of the process, defined as discharge before 10.00 hours on the first morning after surgery. Secondary outcomes were 30‐day readmission and reoperation rates, adverse events, and patient satisfaction with the process.

Results

Between May 2017 and May 2018, 993 adult patients underwent surgery with the 23‐h model, of whom 937 adhered to the model as planned (success rate 94·4 per cent). Gynaecological, gastrointestinal and orthopaedic surgery were the three most common surgical specialties. The surgical process was changed to an in‐hospital model for 45 patients (4·5 per cent), and 11 (1·1 per cent) were discharged on the day of surgery. The readmission rate was 1·9 per cent (19 of 993), and five patients (0·5 per cent) had a reoperation within 30 days of surgery. Fifty‐nine adverse events were noted in 53 patients (5·3 per cent), most commonly infection. Patient satisfaction was a median of 6–7 (maximum 7) points for various aspects of the model.

Conclusion

The success rate and patient satisfaction for the 23‐h surgery model was high.

Medium and long-term emergency department utilization after oesophagectomy: a population-based analysis

OBJECTIVES

Oesophagectomy is a complex operation with the potential for prolonged recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate healthcare resource utilization, specifically emergency department (ED) visits within 1 year of oesophagectomy, and to identify risk factors for ED visits and frequent ED use (FEDU).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive oesophagectomies for cancer in all Ontario hospitals was conducted using linked health data (2000-2012) including the ability to identify ED visits at non-index hospitals. Ontario has a single-payer healthcare system with a population of 13.8-million people. Multivariable regression was used to identify independent factors associated with ED visits and FEDU (≥3 ED visits) within 1 year after oesophagectomy.

RESULTS

There were 3344 oesophagectomies with in-hospital mortality of 5.8% (n = 193). Of those discharged, 16.4% (n = 549), 36.0% (n = 1203) and 55.8% (n = 1866) had ED visits within 30 days, 90 days and 1 year, respectively. Higher comorbidity [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-1.11, P < 0.0001], rurality (aOR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.10-1.78, P = 0.006) and receipt of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy (aOR = 2.55, 95% CI: 2.12-3.08, P < 0.0001) were independent risk factors for ED visits within 1 year of oesophagectomy. Thoracoscopic-assisted surgery was independently associated with decreased ED visits (aOR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.45-0.99, P = 0.049). Eight hundred and thirteen (24.3%) patients had FEDU. Higher comorbidity (aOR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.08-1.14, P < 0.0001), rurality (aOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.31-2.10, P < 0.0001) and receipt of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy (aOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.93-2.93, P < 0.0001) were independent risk factors for FEDU. One health region had more ED visits (P = 0.04) and more FEDU (P = 0.001) when compared with the other regions. There were higher ED visits and FEDU in the later years of the study period (both P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

ED visits are common after oesophagectomy with almost 25% of patients having ≥3 visits and >50% having ≥1 visit within 1 year of oesophagectomy. We have identified demographic, surgical and regional risk factors for the potential targeted quality improvement.

Emergency department use is high after esophagectomy and feeding tube problems are the biggest culprit

OBJECTIVES

Esophagectomy is a complex operation with potential for prolonged recovery. We aimed to identify the incidence of and risk factors for any and frequent emergency department visits within 1 year of esophagectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed looking at consecutive esophagectomies at a tertiary Canadian center (1999-2014). Multivariable analyses identified factors associated with any emergency department visits and frequent emergency department use (≥3 visits) within 1 year postesophagectomy.

RESULTS

There were 520 esophagectomies with in-hospital mortality of 6% (n = 31). Of those discharged, 29.7% (n = 145) had ≥ 1 emergency department visit. Most common causes were feeding tube problems (39.3%; n = 57) and dysphagia/stricture (13.1%; n = 19). Higher income (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.42 per $10,000) and use of hybrid/minimally invasive esophagectomy (aOR, 3.24; 95% CI, 1.71-6.11) were independently associated with having emergency department visits. Patients with hybrid/minimally invasive esophagectomy were discharged earlier than others (P < .0001). Living outside of our metropolitan area (aOR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.27-0.49) and having surgery in the later years of the study period (aOR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.97; P = .006) were both independently associated with lower odds of emergency department visits. Forty-three patients (8.8%) were frequent emergency department users, with the most common causes of repeat emergency visits being feeding tube problems. Living outside of our metropolitan area was associated with lower odds of frequent emergency visits (aOR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.14-0.45).

CONCLUSIONS

There is high emergency department use within 1 year postesophagectomy. Patients living farther away from our hospital had a lower rate of emergency department use. It is possible that they are utilizing emergency departments nearer to home; this needs further study. Feeding tube problems are the biggest culprits and are potentially modifiable.

Factors associated with emergency room visits within 30 days of outpatient foot and ankle surgeries

The number of emergency department (ED) visits within 30 days after elective surgery has been utilized as a quality measure by many institutions. The significance of the measure as a postoperative complication in foot and ankle surgery, and risk factors for it, are unknown. We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 386 patients to determine risk factors associated with ED visits after outpatient foot and ankle surgeries. After adjusting for clinically relevant covariates, we found that previous ED visits within 6 months of surgery, and nonelective surgeries were associated with the postoperative ED visit. Having private insurance was protective against postoperative ED visits. Though these risk factors may not be easily modifiable by surgeons, understanding them may improve patient education and transitional care to prevent overcrowding of the ED.