Readmission prediction after colorectal cancer surgery: A derivation and validation study

Abstract

Background Unplanned readmissions after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery are common, expensive, and result from failure to progress in postoperative recovery. The context of their preventability and extent of predictability remains undefined. This study aimed to define the 30-day unplanned readmission (UR) rate after CRC surgery, identify risk factors, and develop a prediction model with external validation. Methods Consecutive patients who underwent CRC surgery between 2012 and 2017 at Christchurch Hospital were retrospectively identified. The primary outcome was UR within 30 days after index discharge. Statistically significant risk factors were identified and incorporated into a predictive model. The model was then externally evaluated on a prospectively recruited dataset from 2018 to 2019. Results Of the 701 patients identified, 15.1% were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Stoma formation (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.59–3.81), any postoperative complications (PoCs) (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.48–3.52), high-grade PoCs (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.18–5.11), and rectal cancer (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.48–3.52) were statistically significant risk factors for UR. A clinical prediction model comprised of rectal cancer and high-grade PoCs predicted UR with an AUC of 0.64 and 0.62 on internal and external validation, respectively. Conclusions URs after CRC surgery are predictable and occur within 2 weeks of discharge. They are driven by PoCs, most of which are of low severity and develop after discharge. Atleast 16% of readmissions are preventable by management in an outpatient setting with appropriate surgical expertise. Targeted outpatient follow-up within two weeks of discharge is therefore the most effective transitional-care strategy for prevention.

Factors Influencing Readiness for Hospital Discharge among Patients Undergoing Enterostomy: A Descriptive, Cross-sectional Study

“…Early postoperative hospital readmissions are also common, costly, and associated with increased mortality rates. [11][12][13] Research has shown that up to 27% of cancer patients discharged from hospitals are readmitted, 14 contributing to the healthcare burden in morbidity and mortality. 11 During the COVID-19 pandemic, most surgical procedures were performed for emergency or oncologic reasons to the detriment of the remaining elective procedures for benign conditions.…”

“…[11][12][13] Research has shown that up to 27% of cancer patients discharged from hospitals are readmitted, 14 contributing to the healthcare burden in morbidity and mortality. 11 During the COVID-19 pandemic, most surgical procedures were performed for emergency or oncologic reasons to the detriment of the remaining elective procedures for benign conditions. 15 Ileostomy and colostomy are sequelae of oncologic or emergency colorectal surgery.…”

“…As a result, their QoL deteriorates from a lack of self-care knowledge and perspective on ostomy self-management. Early postoperative hospital readmissions are also common, costly, and associated with increased mortality rates 11–13 . Research has shown that up to 27% of cancer patients discharged from hospitals are readmitted, 14 contributing to the healthcare burden in morbidity and mortality 11 …”