Definitional Differences of ‘Outpatient’ Versus ‘Inpatient’ THA and TKA Can Affect Study Outcomes

Abstract

Background There has been great interest in performing outpatient THA and TKA. Studies have compared such procedures done as outpatients versus inpatients.

Outpatient versus inpatient parotidectomy: Comparison of postoperative complication rates

“…The variable used to code operations as outpatient versus inpatient procedure in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program is subject to miscoding. In addition, it may be inconsistent in its definition of what constitutes an outpatient stay . The determination as to what procedures are considered outpatient in NSQIP is ultimately up to the discretion of the participating hospital.…”

“…In addition, it may be inconsistent in its definition of what constitutes an outpatient stay. 28 The determination as to what procedures are considered outpatient in NSQIP is ultimately up to the discretion of the participating hospital. Despite this limitation, the authors emphasize the importance of our study's findings.…”

A nationwide analysis of 30‐day adverse events, unplanned readmission, and length of hospital stay after peripheral nerve surgery in extremities and the brachial plexus

“…Apart from emphasizing the need to show how missing data are handled, no clear guidelines have yet been established for managing missing data (Basques et al, ; Hamilton et al, ; Parsons et al, ). Furthermore, the definition of inpatient procedures has been mentioned before as a point of discussion, since there seems to be some inconsistency in the use of this terminology (Bovonratwet et al, ). This may have influence on the creation of risk profiles for postoperative outcomes and length of hospital stay (Bovonratwet et al, ).…”

“…Furthermore, the definition of inpatient procedures has been mentioned before as a point of discussion, since there seems to be some inconsistency in the use of this terminology (Bovonratwet et al, 2017). This may have influence on the creation of risk profiles for postoperative outcomes and length of hospital stay (Bovonratwet et al, 2017). Lastly, because the event rate of major adverse events was so low, this study may lack sufficient power to identify independent predictors, despite the relatively large number of patients included in comparison to the existing literature.…”

The projected burden of complex surgical site infections following hip and knee arthroplasties in adults in the United States, 2020 through 2030

“…Thus, our projections may have been underestimated. 19,33 Due to data limitations, we were unable to directly track patients across time or to obtain revision rates; thus, we estimated a revision rate from Medicare claims data for all procedures, regardless of payer. 22 Also, data regarding SSIs resulting from a revision arthroplasty can also be difficult to obtain.…”