Optimising recovery after surgery: Predictors of early discharge and hospital readmission.

BACKGROUND

Fast track surgery (FTS) programs minimise the stress response after surgery and allow for enhanced recovery.

AIMS

To document the frequency and incidence of adverse events in patients enrolled on a FTS program and to investigate factors associated with shorter length of stay and readmission to hospital.

METHODS

A seven-year updated surgical audit of patients undergoing laparotomy for suspected or confirmed malignancy on a FTS program.

RESULTS

Five hundred and fifty patients comprise the study group. Average age and body mass index (BMI) were 55 years and 28, respectively. Mean length of stay (LOS) was 3.4 days with 194 (35%) patients discharged on day 2. Six (1%) patients had confirmed venous thromboembolism (VTE), three of whom were diagnosed on pre-operative imaging. Overall, transfusion rate was 5%. Adverse events in decreasing frequency were hospital readmission (4%) and significant wound infection (3%). All other adverse events were uncommon with rates <0.5%. Factors associated with a discharge on or after day 3 include age, pathology, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, incision type, operating time, blood transfusion and cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitors. Factors associated with hospital readmission include longer operating time, performance of lymph node sampling/dissection, longer LOS, development of wound infection, febrile morbidity, return to the operating room, unplanned intensive care unit admission and presence of other complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients managed by a FTS protocol can expect enhanced outcomes when compared to historical controls.