Prolonged hospital stay and readmission rate in an enhanced recovery after surgery cohort undergoing colorectal cancer surgery

Outcomes of Colectomy for Nonmalignant Polyps and Colon Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

INTRODUCTION

In the United States, while most nonmalignant polyps are effectively treated through endoscopic removal, colectomy remains a treatment option for selected cases of nonmalignant polyps (NMPs) and colon cancer. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes for colectomies in these two conditions, hypothesizing similar complication rates.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2015 to 2021, including patients who underwent elective colectomies for colon cancer or NMPs. Using a 2:1 propensity score matching for demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, surgical methods, and comorbidities, we evaluated outcomes such as 30-d mortality, complications, anastomotic leakage, and hospital stay duration.

RESULTS

A total of 47,960 patients, including 30,549 colon cancer patients and 17,411 NMP patients, were included after propensity score matching analysis. We concluded that there was no significant difference in mortality and reoperation rates which were 0.6% and 3.3% in patients undergoing colectomy with colon cancer, compared to 0.5% and 3.1% in those with NMP, respectively [P = 0.64, P = 0.21,]. In addition, the anastomotic leak rates were remarkably similar in both the colon cancer (2.4%) and NMP (2.2%) groups. [P = 0.13]. Most of the 30-d postoperative surgical complications, such as sepsis, septic shock, wound disruption, and urinary tract infection exhibited similar incidence rates, however, some of them, such as readmission, pulmonary embolism, and length of stay, varied between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings underscore the similar postoperative outcomes between colon cancer and NMP groups, advocating for consideration of advanced endoscopic techniques for NMPs to potentially enhance patient care and outcomes.

Early Postoperative Prediction of Complications and Readmission After Colorectal Cancer Surgery Using an Artificial Neural Network

BACKGROUND

Early predictors of postoperative complications can risk-stratify patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. However, conventional regression models have limited power to identify complex nonlinear relationships among a large set of variables. We developed artificial neural network models to optimize the prediction of major postoperative complications and risk of readmission in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop an artificial neural network model to predict postoperative complications using postoperative laboratory values and compare the accuracy of models to standard regression methods.

DESIGN

This retrospective study included patients who underwent elective colorectal cancer resection between January 1, 2016, and July 31, 2021. Clinical data, cancer stage, and laboratory data from postoperative days 1 to 3 were collected. Complications and readmission risk models were created using multivariable logistic regression and single-layer neural networks.

SETTING

National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

PATIENTS

Adult patients with colorectal cancer.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The accuracy of predicting postoperative major complications, readmissions, and anastomotic leaks using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS

Neural networks had larger areas under the curve for predicting major complications compared to regression models (neural network 0.811; regression model 0.724, p < 0.001). Neural networks also showed an advantage in predicting anastomotic leak ( p = 0.036) and readmission using postoperative day 1 to 2 values ( p = 0.014).

LIMITATIONS

Single-center, retrospective design limited to cancer operations.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we generated a set of models for the early prediction of complications after colorectal surgery. The neural network models provided greater discrimination than the models based on traditional logistic regression. These models may allow for early detection of postoperative complications as early as postoperative day 2. See the Video Abstract .

PREDICCIN POST OPERATORIA TEMPRANA DE COMPLICACIONES Y REINGRESO DESPUS DE LA CIRUGA DE CNCER COLORRECTAL MEDIANTE UNA RED NEURONAL ARTIFICIAL

ANTECEDENTES:Los predictores tempranos de complicaciones postoperatorias pueden estratificar el riesgo de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía de cáncer colorrectal. Sin embargo, los modelos de regresión convencionales tienen un poder limitado para identificar relaciones no lineales complejas entre un gran conjunto de variables. Desarrollamos modelos de redes neuronales artificiales para optimizar la predicción de complicaciones postoperatorias importantes y riesgo de reingreso en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de cáncer colorrectal.OBJETIVO:El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar un modelo de red neuronal artificial para predecir complicaciones postoperatorias utilizando valores de laboratorio postoperatorios y comparar la precisión de estos modelos con los métodos de regresión estándar.DISEÑO:Este estudio retrospectivo incluyó a pacientes que se sometieron a resección electiva de cáncer colorrectal entre el 1 de enero de 2016 y el 31 de julio de 2021. Se recopilaron datos clínicos, estadio del cáncer y datos de laboratorio del día 1 al 3 posoperatorio. Se crearon modelos de complicaciones y riesgo de reingreso mediante regresión logística multivariable y redes neuronales de una sola capa.AJUSTE:Instituto Nacional del Cáncer designado Centro Oncológico Integral.PACIENTES:Pacientes adultos con cáncer colorrectal.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Precisión de la predicción de complicaciones mayores postoperatorias, reingreso y fuga anastomótica utilizando el área bajo la curva característica operativa del receptor.RESULTADOS:Las redes neuronales tuvieron áreas bajo la curva más grandes para predecir complicaciones importantes en comparación con los modelos de regresión (red neuronal 0,811; modelo de regresión 0,724, p < 0,001). Las redes neuronales también mostraron una ventaja en la predicción de la fuga anastomótica ( p = 0,036) y el reingreso utilizando los valores del día 1-2 postoperatorio ( p = 0,014).LIMITACIONES:Diseño retrospectivo de un solo centro limitado a operaciones de cáncer.CONCLUSIONES:En este estudio, generamos un conjunto de modelos para la predicción temprana de complicaciones después de la cirugía colorrectal. Los modelos de redes neuronales proporcionaron una mayor discriminación que los modelos basados en regresión logística tradicional. Estos modelos pueden permitir la detección temprana de complicaciones posoperatorias tan pronto como el segundo día posoperatorio. (Traducción-Dr. Mauricio Santamaria ).

Accelerated enhanced recovery after colon cancer surgery with discharge within one day after surgery: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have demonstrated that accelerated enhanced recovery after colorectal surgery is feasible for specific patient populations. The accelerated enhanced recovery protocols (ERP) tend to vary, and the majority of studies included a small study population. This hampers defining the optimal protocol and establishing the potential benefits. This systematic review aimed to determine the effect of accelerated ERPs with intended discharge within one day after surgery.

METHODS

PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science databases were searched using the following search terms: colon cancer, colon surgery, accelerated recovery, fast track recovery, enhanced recovery after surgery. Clinical trials published between January 2005 - February 2023, written in English or Dutch comparing accelerated ERPs to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) care for adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic or robotic surgery for colon cancer were eligible for inclusion.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies, including one RCT were included. Accelerated ERPs after colorectal surgery was possible as LOS was shorter; 14 h to 3.4 days, and complication rate varied from 0-35.7% and readmission rate was 0-17% in the accelerated ERP groups. Risk of bias was serious or critical in most of the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Accelerated ERPs may not yet be considered the new standard of care as the current data is heterogenous, and data on important outcome measures is scarce. Nonetheless, the decreased LOS suggests that accelerated recovery is possible for selected patients. In addition, the complication and readmission rates were comparable to ERAS care, suggesting that accelerated recovery could be safe.

Potentially Avoidable Admissions and Prolonged Hospitalization in Patients with Suspected Colon Cancer

BACKGROUND

Suspicion of cancer in the Emergency Department (ED) may lead to potentially avoidable and prolonged admissions. We aimed to examine the reasons for potentially avoidable and prolonged hospitalizations after admissions from the ED for new colon cancer diagnoses (ED-dx).

METHODS

A retrospective, single-institution analysis was conducted of patients with ED-dx between 2017 and 2018. Defined criteria were used to identify potentially avoidable admissions. Patients without avoidable admissions were examined for ideal length of stay (iLOS), using separate defined criteria. Prolonged length of stay (pLOS) was defined as actual length of stay (aLOS) being greater than 1 day longer than iLOS.

RESULTS

Of 97 patients with ED-dx, 12% had potentially avoidable admissions, most often (58%) for cancer workup. Very little difference in demographic, tumor characteristics, or symptoms were found, except patients with potentially avoidable admissions were more functional (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] score 0-1: 83% vs. 46%; p = 0.049) and had longer symptom duration prior to ED presentation {24 days (interquartile range [IQR] 7-75) vs. 7 days (IQR 2-21)}. Among the 60 patients who had necessary admissions but did not require urgent intervention, 78% had pLOS, most often for non-urgent surgery (60%) and further oncologic workup. The median difference between iLOS and aLOS was 12 days (IQR 8-16) for pLOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Potentially avoidable admissions following Ed-dx were uncommon but were mostly for oncologic workup. Once admitted, the majority of patients had pLOS, most often for definitive surgery and further oncologic workup. This suggests a lack of systems to safely transition to outpatient cancer management.

Readmission with acute kidney injury following ileostomy: patterns and predictors of a common phenomenon

PURPOSE

Ileostomy is associated with various complications, often necessitating rehospitalization. High-output ileostomy is common and may lead to acute kidney injury (AKI). Here we describe the temporal pattern of readmission with AKI following ileostomy formation and identify risk factors.

METHODS

Patients that underwent formation of ileostomy between 2008 and 2021 were included in this study. Readmission with AKI with high output ileostomy was defined as readmission with serum creatinine > 1.5-fold compared to the level at discharge or latest baseline (at least stage-1 AKI according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) criteria), accompanied by ileostomy output > 1000 ml in 24 h. Patient characteristics and perioperative course were assessed to identify predictors for readmission with AKI.

RESULTS

Of 1191 patients who underwent ileostomy, 198 (16.6%) were readmitted with a high output stoma and AKI. The mean time to readmission with AKI was 98.97 ± 156.36 days. Eighty-six patients (43.4%) had early readmission (within 30 days), and 66 (33%) were readmitted after more than 90 days. Over 90% of patients had more than one readmission, and 110 patients (55%) had 5 or more. Patient-related predictors for readmission with AKI were age > 65, body mass index > 30 kg/m2, and hypertension. Factors related to the postoperative course were AKI with creatinine > 2 mg/dl, postoperative hemoglobin < 8 g/dl or blood transfusion, albumin < 20 g/dl, high output stoma and need for loperamide, and length of hospital stay > 20 days. Factors related to early versus late readmissions and multiple readmissions were also analyzed.

CONCLUSIONS

Readmission with AKI following ileostomy formation is a consequential event with distinct risk factors. Acknowledging these risk factors is the foundation for designing interventions aiming to reduce frequency of AKI readmissions in predisposed patient populations.

Clinical significance of the histopathological metastatic largest lymph node size in colorectal cancer patients

Background

The metastatic lymph nodes (MLN) are interpreted to be correlated with prognosis of the colorectal cancers (CRC). The present retrospective study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of the largest MLN size in terms of postoperative outcomes and its predictive value in the prognosis of the patients with stage III CRC.

Methods

Between May 2013 and December 2018, a total of 101 patients who underwent curative resection for stage III CRC retrospectively reviewed. All patients were divided into two groups regarding cut-off value (<1.05 cm and ≥1.05 cm) of maximum MLN diameter measured histopathologically. A comparative analysis of demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of the patients and their postoperative outcomes were performed.

Results

Two groups carried similar demographic data and preoperative laboratory variables except the lymphocyte count, hematocrit (HCT) ratio, hemoglobin level and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) value (p<0.05). The patients with MLN diameter ≥1.05 cm (n=46) needed more erythrocyte suspension and were hospitalized longer than the patients with a diameter <1.05 cm (n=55) (p=0.006 and 0.0294, respectively). Patients with MLN diameter < 1.05 cm had a significantly longer overall survival than patients with MLN diameter ≥ 1.05 cm (75,29 vs. 52,57 months, respectively). Regarding the histopathologic features, the patients with MLN diameter ≥1.05 cm had larger tumor size and higher number of MLN than those with diameter <1.05 cm (p=0.049 and 0.001).

Conclusion

The size of MLN larger than 1.05 cm may be predictive for a poor prognosis and lower survival of stage III CRC patients. The largest MLN size may be a proper alternative factor to the number of MLNs in predicting prognosis or in staging CRC patients.

Comparison of Length of Hospital Stay for Community-Acquired Infections Due to Enteric Pathogens, Influenza Viruses and Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hungary

Community-acquired infections (CAI) can affect the duration of care and mortality of patients. Therefore, we aimed to investigate these as well as factors influencing the length of hospital stay in patients with CAI due to enteric pathogens, influenza viruses and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. We obtained data on 531 patients with CAI from the medical databases of a Hungarian university hospital and analyzed their characteristics using a regression model. Patients with MDR bacterial infection had the highest mortality (26.24%) and they stayed significantly longer in the hospital than cases with other CAIs. Our results showed that infection by Clostridioides difficile (odds ratio (OR): 6.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-47.48; p = 0.047), MDR Escherichia coli (OR: 7.64, 95% CI: 1.24-47.17; p = 0.029), MDR Klebsiella spp. (OR: 7.35, 95% CI: 1.15-47.07; p = 0.035) and hospitalization in the department of pulmonology (OR: 5.48, 95% CI: 1.38-21.76; p = 0.016) and surgery (OR: 4.19, 95% CI: 1.18-14.81; p = 0.026) significantly increased, whereas female sex (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.40-0.97; p = 0.037) and hospitalization in the department of pediatrics (OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04-0.64; p = 0.009) decreased the odds of staying in the hospital for more than 6 days. Our findings provide new information on the epidemiology of CAI and can contribute to the development of public health programs that decrease the burden of infections acquired in the community.

Early Experience of Undertaking Robotic Assisted Total Mesorectal Excision in Rectal Resections, Avoiding a Diverting Stoma: Key eHancement of the Anastomosis for No Stoma Technique - A Case Series

Background. Anastomotic leak is a feared complication in rectal cancer surgery, and a proximal diverting stoma to protect the rectal anastomosis is used to minimize its impact. We evaluated a novel technique that uses the da Vinci® robotic platform (Intuitive Surgical) to reinforce the colorectal anastomosis and rectal staple line with sutures, and rectal resection and assessment of the anastomotic perfusion, using our Portsmouth protocol. Methods. During robotic rectal cancer surgery, we used indocyanine green to determine the level of transection and check the vascularity of the circular anastomosis. The distal transverse staple line and circular staple line of the colorectal anastomosis were reinforced with absorbable interrupted stitches (KHANS technique - Key enHancement of the Anastomosis for No Stoma). The integrity of the colorectal/anal anastomosis was also checked using the underwater air-water leak test, with concomitant flexible sigmoidoscopy to visualize the circular staple line. Results. Fifty patients underwent total mesorectal excision for cancer. Using the KHANS technique, we avoided a diverting stoma in all cases. One patient had a radiological leak, leading to a pelvic abscess. In 56% of cases, the anastomosis was within 5 cm of the anal verge. Median length of stay was 5 (3-34) days, with two 30-day readmissions. No 90-day mortality or 30-day reoperations were observed. Conclusion. The KHANS technique appears feasible, successful, and safe in decreasing the incidence of diverting stomas in rectal resections.

Visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio exhibits strongest association with early post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for advanced rectal cancer

AIM

Despite their promise as prognostic factors in colorectal cancer, anthropometric data are frequently contradictory or difficult to interpret, with single body-composition parameters often investigated in isolation or heterogeneous clinical cohorts used in analyses. We sought to assess a spectrum of body-composition parameters in a highly selected cohort with locally advanced rectal cancer in a bid to determine those with strongest prognostic potential in this specific setting.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Between 2014 and 2020, 78 individuals received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, or chemoradiotherapy, followed by radical surgery in the treatment of locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma at Oxford University Hospitals Trust. Demographic, treatment-related, perioperative, and short-term outcomes data were assessed. Body-composition parameters included BMI, and those derived from pre-operative computed-tomography imaging: skeletal mass index (SMI), visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), perinephric fat area (PFA) visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (V/S), sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity (SO).

RESULTS

Pre-operative body-composition parameters exhibited particularly strong correlation with post-operative outcomes, with VFA (p = 0.002), V/S (p = 0.019), SO (p = 0.012), and PFA (p = 0.0016) all associated with an increased length of hospital stay. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated V/S to be the sole independent body-composition risk factor to be associated with an increased risk of developing Clavien-Dindo complications ≥ 2 (p = 0.033) as well as an increased length of stay (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, high visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio is the body-composition parameter most strongly associated with poor early post-operative outcomes. This should be considered in patient selection and prehabilitation protocols. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD TO THE LITERATURE? : Our study demonstrates that among body composition parameters, high visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio is strongly associated with increased risk of post-operative complications and increased length of stay in patients undergoing surgery for advanced rectal cancer.

Outcomes of Patients Placed in an Emergency Department Observation Unit of a Comprehensive Cancer Center

Emergency department observation units (EDOUs) have been shown to decrease length of stay and improve cost effectiveness. Yet, compared with noncancer patients, patients with cancer are placed in EDOUs less often. In this study, we aimed to describe patients who were placed in a cancer center's EDOU to discern their clinical characteristics and outcomes.

Outcomes of patients placed in an emergency department observation unit of a comprehensive cancer center

Influence of albumin and physical activity on postoperative recovery in patients with colorectal cancer: An observational study

PURPOSE

The study explores the influences of nutrition-related factors (albumin, hemoglobin, and obesity) and lifestyles (physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, smoking, and drinking) on the length of hospital stay in postoperative colorectal cancer patients.

METHODS

This study is a cross-sectional design. A convenience sample of 106 preoperative colorectal cancer patients was recruited from a medical center in Taiwan. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires and from patients' medical records.

RESULTS

The median length of hospital stay was ten days with an interquartile range (IQR) of 8-11.25 days. The results of the log-link Gamma generalized linear model showed that albumin (B = -0.16, p = 0.007) and physical activity (B = -0.14, p = 0.001) were significant predictors of the length of hospital stay after controlling for demographics and disease characteristics. The influences of anemia, obesity, fruit and vegetable intake, smoking, and drinking on the length of hospital stay were insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with hypoalbuminemia and a low level of physical activity undergo a more extended postoperative hospital stay. The study findings inform clinicians of the influencing factor of the patients' recovery and provide a foundation for developing interventions to decrease hospital stay length.

Transition from hospital to home after elective colorectal surgery performed in an enhanced recovery program: An integrative review

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the transition from hospital to home after elective colorectal surgery performed in an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme.

DESIGN

An integrative review.

METHODS

A search of ten electronic databases was conducted. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two authors. Data analysis and synthesis were based on Meleis' Transitions Theory (2010).

RESULTS

Forty-two articles were included, and most (N = 27) were of good or very good quality. The researchers identified five categories to document the nature of transition postsurgery, three conditions affecting such transition, eleven indicators informing about the quality of the transition and several nursing interventions. Overall, this review revealed that the transition from hospital to home after ERAS colorectal surgery is complex. A holistic understanding of this phenomenon may help nurses to recognize what they need to do to optimize the in-home recovery of this clientele.

Readmission after rectal resection in the ERAS-era: is a loop ileostomy the Achilles heel?

BACKGROUND

Rectal resection surgery is often followed by a loop ileostomy creation. Despite improvements in surgical technique and development of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, the readmission-rate after rectal resection is still estimated to be around 30%. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for readmission after rectal resection surgery. This study also investigated whether elderly patients (≥ 65 years old) dispose of a distinct patient profile and associated risk factors for readmission.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from patients who consecutively underwent rectal resection for cancer within an ERAS protocol between 2011 and 2016. The primary study endpoint was 90-day readmission. Patients with and without readmission within 90 days were compared. Additional subgroup analysis was performed in patients ≥ 65 years old.

RESULTS

A total of 344 patients were included, and 25% (n = 85) were readmitted. Main reasons for readmission were acute renal insufficiency (24%), small bowel obstruction (20%), anastomotic leakage (15%) and high output stoma (11%). In multivariate logistic regression, elevated initial creatinine level (cut-off values: 0.67-1.17 mg/dl) (OR 1.95, p = 0.041) and neoadjuvant radiotherapy (OR 2.63, p = 0.031) were significantly associated with readmission. For ileostomy related problems, elevated initial creatinine level (OR 2.76, p = 0.021) was identified to be significant.

CONCLUSION

Recovery after rectal resection within an ERAS protocol is hampered by the presence of a loop ileostomy. ERAS protocols should include stoma education and high output stoma prevention.

Risk Factors for Readmission after Ileostomy Creation: an NSQIP Database Study

BACKGROUND

Ileostomy creation is associated with excess readmissions following colorectal surgery. This study identifies risk factors for readmission in patients undergoing ileostomy creation and identifies areas of clinical intervention to reduce readmission.

METHODS

We used the NSQIP dataset including colectomy specific data to include 39,380 patients who underwent ileostomy creation between 2012 and 2017. We conducted univariate and multivariable analysis to identify predictors of surgery-related 30-day readmissions. Our multivariate model included surgery type (total abdominal colectomy, partial colectomy, enterectomy, or pelvic dissection), gender, age, race, ethnicity, preoperative renal failure, dialysis, transfusion, ascites, ventilator dependence, diabetes, ASA class, functional status, emergency case, SSI, wound disruption, postoperative renal insufficiency, postoperative sepsis, discharge destination, and wound class.

RESULTS

A total of 5718 (14.52%) patients were readmitted within 30 days. After multivariate analysis, factors associated with readmission were gender, age, Hispanic ethnicity, dialysis, transfusion, ventilator dependence, diabetes, emergency case, SSI, postoperative renal insufficiency, postoperative sepsis, and discharge to a skilled facility. Patients who had enterectomy and partial colectomies were less likely to be readmitted than patients who had a pelvic procedure. Patients with postoperative renal insufficiency or renal failure were much more likely to be readmitted.

CONCLUSION

Factors associated with readmission included the type of procedure and postoperative complications such as SSI, sepsis, and renal failure. Efforts to reduce readmission should focus on patients undergoing concomitant pelvic procedures as well as avoidance and management of common complications in this group of patients.

Readmissions Within 48 Hours of Discharge: Reasons, Risk Factors, and Potential Improvements

BACKGROUND

Hospital readmission rate is an important quality metric and has been recognized as a key measure of hospital value-based purchasing programs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the risk factors for hospital readmission with a focus on potentially preventable early readmissions within 48 hours of discharge.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at a tertiary academic facility with a standardized enhanced recovery pathway.

PATIENTS

Consecutive patients undergoing elective major colorectal resections between 2011 and 2016 were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Univariable and multivariable risk factors for overall and early (<48 hours) readmissions were identified. Specific surgical and medical reasons for readmission were compared between early and late readmissions.

RESULTS

In total, 526 of 4204 patients (12.5%) were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Independent risk factors were ASA score (≥3; OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2), excess perioperative weight gain (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.3), ileostomy (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1-2), and transfusion (OR, 2; 95% CI, 1.4-3), or reoperation (OR, 11.4; 95% CI, 7.4-17.5) during the index stay. No potentially preventable risk factor for early readmission (128 patients, 24.3% of all readmissions, 3% of total cohort) was identified, and index hospital stay of ≤3 days was not associated with increased readmission (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.7-1.2). Although ileus and small-bowel obstruction (early: 43.8% vs late: 15.5%, p < 0.001) were leading causes for early readmissions, deep infections (3.9% vs 16.3%, p < 0.001) and acute kidney injury (0% vs 5%, p = 0.006) were mainly observed during readmissions after 48 hours.

LIMITATIONS

Risk of underreporting due to loss of follow-up and the potential co-occurrence of complications were limitations of this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Early hospital readmission was mainly due to ileus or bowel obstruction, whereas late readmissions were related to deep infections and acute kidney injury. A suspicious attitude toward potential ileus-related symptoms before discharge and dedicated education for ostomy patients are important. A short index hospital stay was not associated with increased readmission rates. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B237. REINGRESOS DENTRO DE LAS 48 HORAS POSTERIORES AL ALTA: RAZONES, FACTORES DE RIESGO Y POSIBLES MEJORAS: La tasa de reingreso hospitalario es una métrica de calidad importante y ha sido reconocida como una medida clave de los programas hospitalarios de compras basadas en el valor.Evaluar los factores de riesgo para el reingreso hospitalario con énfasis en reingresos tempranos potencialmente prevenibles dentro de las 48 horas posteriores al alta.Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.Institución académica terciaria con programa de recuperación mejorada estandarizado.Pacientes consecutivos sometidos a resecciones colorrectales mayores electivas entre 2011 y 2016.Se identificaron factores de riesgo uni y multivariables para reingresos totales y tempranos (<48 horas). Se compararon razones médicas y quirúrgicas específicas para el reingreso entre reingresos tempranos y tardíos.En total, 526/4204 pacientes (12,5%) fueron readmitidos dentro de los 30 días posteriores al alta. Los factores de riesgo independientes fueron puntuación ASA (≥3, OR 1.5; IC 95% 1.1-2), aumento de peso perioperatorio excesivo (OR 1.7; IC 95% 1.3-2.3), ileostomía (OR 1.4, IC 95%: 1-2) y transfusión (OR 2, IC 95% 1.4-3) o reoperación (OR 11.4; IC 95% 7.4-17.5) durante la estadía índice. No se identificó ningún factor de riesgo potencialmente prevenible para el reingreso temprano (128 pacientes, 24.3% de todos los reingresos, 3% de la cohorte total), y la estadía hospitalaria índice de ≤ 3 días no se asoció con un aumento en el reingreso (OR 0.9; IC 95% 0.7-1.2) Mientras que el íleo / obstrucción del intestino delgado (temprano: 43.8% vs. tardío: 15.5%, p < 0.001) fueron las principales causas de reingresos tempranos, infecciones profundas (3.9% vs 16.3%, p < 0.001) y lesión renal aguda (0 vs 5%, p = 0.006) se observaron principalmente durante los reingresos después de 48 horas.Riesgo de subregistro debido a la pérdida en el seguimiento, posible co-ocurrencia de complicaciones.El reingreso hospitalario temprano se debió principalmente a íleo u obstrucción intestinal, mientras que los reingresos tardíos se relacionaron con infecciones profundas y lesión renal aguda. Es importante tener una actitud suspicaz hacia los posibles síntomas relacionados con el íleo antes del alta y una educación específica para los pacientes con ostomía. La estadía hospitalaria índice corta no se asoció con mayores tasas de reingreso. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B237.

Evaluation of Enhanced Recovery After Following a Surgical Protocol for Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

Introduction:

Cytoreductive surgery with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS ± HIPEC) has positive effects on the survival of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) due to intra-abdominal tumors. Currently, the available literature on the safety of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for PC, which is associated with severe morbidity and mortality, is insufficient.

Aim:

This study aimed to present our results from treating patients using the ERAS protocol for PC that developed due to intra-abdominal tumors.

Material and Methods:

The data of 120 consecutive patients with PC due to different etiologies of abdominal origin and who underwent CRS ± HIPEC were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the ERAS protocol was applied. Information on demographics, length of hospital stay, cost, morbidity, and mortality was statistically compared between groups.

Results:

A total of 102 patients were included in the study. The first 40 patients did not undergo the ERAS protocol, whereas 62 patients did undergo the protocol. The mean length of hospital stay was 10 days in the non-ERAS group and 7 days in the ERAS group. The ERAS group was observed to have earlier mobilization, earlier gas and stool release, lower oral intake, and fewer respiratory problems than the non-ERAS group.

Conclusion:

CRS ± HIPEC has a positive effect on survival. The simultaneous application of the ERAS protocol with the aforementioned procedure has positive effects on intestinal motility and postoperative outcomes. In addition, this protocol may reduce costs by shortening the length of hospital stay.

The association between preoperative fatigue and instrumental activities in daily living with complications and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is highest among the elderly. An important treatment modality is surgery. After surgery, due to poor functional recovery, some elderly have an increased risk for complications and prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS). Preoperative elevated levels of fatigue and impaired functioning in instrumental activities of daily living (iADL) might be associated with these outcomes, and may, therefore, be helpful to recognize patients with elevated risk for complications or prolonged LOS, who should undergo more thorough functional assessment.

AIMS

This exploratory study aims to assess whether physical fatigue, reduced activity and/or iADL, assessed preoperatively, are associated with postoperative complications and prolonged LOS, in elderly patients undergoing surgery for CRC.

METHODS

We performed an exploratory prospective study in older (≥ 65 years) patients (n = 57) who were scheduled to undergo elective surgery for colorectal cancer. Fatigue and iADL functioning were assessed with questionnaires. Multivariable regression analyses were used to examine the relationship of fatigue and iADL with complications and LOS.

RESULTS

IADL was not associated with complications or LOS. Fatigue was not associated with complications. Patients with higher fatigue had increased LOS in the univariable analyses but not in the multivariable analyses after adjustment for nutritional status and neoadjuvant treatment.

DISCUSSION

We found that fatigue was associated with increased LOS in the univariable analysis. The results from the multivariable analysis and path analysis indicate, however, that this is likely not a causal relationship; the observed relationship between physical fatigue and LOS appears to be confounded by nutritional status and by having received neoadjuvant treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Although fatigue is a predictor for increased LOS, assessment of fatigue and iADL has no additional value for identifying elderly at risk for poor functional outcome after CRC surgery.

Predictors of short-term readmission after beyond total mesorectal excision for primary locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer

Unplanned readmissions heavily affect the cost of health care and are used as an indicator of performance. No clear data are available regarding beyond-total mesorectal excision (bTME) procedure. Aim of the study is to identify patient-related and surgery-related factors influencing the 30-day readmissions after bTME. Retrospective data were collected from 220 patients who underwent bTME procedures at single centre between 2006 and 2016. Patient-related and operative factors were assessed, including body mass index (BMI), age, gender, American Society of Anaesthesiologists' (ASA) score, preoperative stage, neo-adjuvant therapy, primary tumour vs recurrence, the extent of surgery. The readmission rate was 8.18%. No statistically significant association was found with BMI, ASA score, length of stay and stay in the intensive care unit, primary vs recurrent tumour or blood transfusions. Not quite statistically significant was the association with pelvic side wall dissection (OR 3.32, p = 0.054). Statistically significant factors included preoperative stage > IIIb (OR: 4.77, p = 0.002), neo-adjuvant therapy (OR: 0.13, p = 0.0006), age over 65 years (OR: 5.96, p = 0.0005), any re-intervention during the first admission (OR: 7.4, p = 0.0001), and any post-operative complication (OR: 9.01, p = 0.004). The readmission rate after beyond-TME procedure is influenced by patient-related factors as well as post-operative morbidity.