Objective
To evaluate causes and predictors of readmission after new ileostomy creation.
Summary Background
New ileostomates have been reported to have higher readmission rates compared to other surgical patients, but data on predictors are limited.
Methods
1114 records at two associated hospitals were reviewed to identify adults undergoing their first ileostomy. Primary outcome was readmission within 60 days of surgery. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors; receiver-operator characteristics (AUC) were used to evaluate age-stratified models in secondary analysis.
Results
407 patients underwent new ileostomy. 58% had cancer, 31% IBD; 49% underwent LAR, 27% colectomy, 14% proctocolectomy. Median length-of-stay was 8 days. 39% returned to hospital; 28% were readmitted (n=113) at median of 12 days post-discharge. The most common causes of readmission were dehydration (42%), intra-peritoneal infections (33%), and extra-peritoneal infections (29%). Dehydration was associated with later, longer, and repeated readmission. Independent significant predictors of readmission were Clavien-Dindo complication grade 3–4 (OR 6.7), Charlson comorbidity index (OR 1.4 per point), and loop stoma (OR 2.2); longer length-of-stay (OR 0.5) and age 65 or older (OR 0.4) were protective. Cohort stratification above or below age 65 revealed that older patient readmissions were more predictable (AUC 0.84) with more preventable causes; younger patient readmissions were difficult to predict or prevent (AUC 0.65).
Conclusions
Readmissions are most commonly caused by dehydration, and are predicted by serious complications, comorbidity burden, loop stoma, shorter length-of-stay, and age. Readmissions in older patients are easier to predict, representing an important target for improvement.