Predictors of 61 unplanned readmission cases in microvascular free tissue transfer patients: Multi‐institutional analysis of 774 patients

Abstract

In our study, the presence of either open wound/wound infection, development of surgical complications, medical complications, and unplanned reoperations were associated with unplanned readmissions. Further research in predictive factors is suggested to avoid costly, unnecessary, and preventable readmissions.

Risk factors for thirty‐day readmission following flap reconstruction of oncologic defects of the head and neck

“…Both Carniol et al and Kim et al found SSIs to be predictive of 30-day readmission in patients undergoing free flap reconstruction. 5,9 Moreover, wound complications as a major determinant of readmission has been a consistent finding across the surgical literature. Graboyes et al found that a SSI or wound dehiscence was associated with a nearly sevenfold increase in the risk of readmission in a large population of otolaryngology patients.…”

“…These results are in keeping with the literature. Both Carniol et al and Kim et al found SSIs to be predictive of 30‐day readmission in patients undergoing free flap reconstruction . Moreover, wound complications as a major determinant of readmission has been a consistent finding across the surgical literature.…”

“…Kim et al utilized the NSQIP database to evaluate readmissions following free flaps used for various types of surgeries, including a high proportion of breast reconstruction cases. 9 The overall readmission rate was 7.9% Several other studies have examined readmission rates in the larger head and neck oncology population. Bur et al used the NSQIP database to review 7605 patients who underwent various procedures for head and neck cancer and found a 5.1% readmission rate within 30 days postoperatively.…”

“…Kim et al utilized the NSQIP database to evaluate readmissions following free flaps used for various types of surgeries, including a high proportion of breast reconstruction cases . The overall readmission rate was 7.9% but 10% for the head and neck subgroup.…”

Readmission following primary surgery for larynx and oropharynx cancer in the elderly

“…8,19 Unplanned 30-day readmission rates following free tissue transfer can range from 7.9% to 11.6%. 19,20 Therefore, our finding of higher 30-day readmission rates following laryngeal and oropharyngeal cancer surgery may be related to both greater procedure complexity and patient complexity when compared to patients undergoing other otolaryngology procedures.…”