Readmission and risk factors for readmission following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

INTRODUCTION

Readmission after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer has not been systematically evaluated.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to determine national 30-day readmission rates after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer and evaluate risk factors associated with readmission.

METHODS

Retrospective review of the 2011-2012 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset was performed to identify patients who underwent elective esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

RESULTS

One thousand sixty-eight patients satisfied study criteria. One hundred and thirty-five patients were admitted within 30 days resulting in a readmission rate of 12.6%. Patients with a history of pulmonary disease were 3.9 times more likely to be readmitted. Patients who developed postoperative wound-related complications were 9 times more likely to be readmitted than patients who did not develop wound-related complications. Increasing length of hospital stay was associated with a marginal but significant decrease in risk of readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

National 30-day readmission rate after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is around 12.6%. Risk factors associated with 30-day readmission include history of pulmonary disease, postoperative wound-related complications, and length of hospital stay.