National Database Reported Outcomes Following Craniosynostosis Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND

While there has been ample interest and literature published regarding craniosynostosis surgical technique, there are few reports on adverse hospital and health system outcomes. The purpose of this study was to describe rate of and risk factors for complications, and adverse outcomes following craniosynostosis reconstruction.

METHODS

This study retrospectively reviewed the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Pediatric database and identified all patients undergoing craniosynostosis repair from 2012 to 2016. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant associations between preoperative risk factors and adverse outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was then used to identify independent risk factors and causes of prolonged operative times, transfusions, reoperation, prolonged length of hospital stays, and readmission.

RESULTS

There were 3924 patients included who underwent craniosynostosis repair, of whom 1732 underwent frontoorbital advancement and 2192 underwent cranial vault remodeling. Transfusion was the most common NSQIP reportable outcome, occurring for 66.5% of all patients. The incidence of reoperation was 2.4% and readmission was 3.0%.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a large descriptive analysis of craniosynostosis repair throughout the United States. Largely nonmodifiable patient risk factors lead to worse health system metrics, with young age, gastrointestinal comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologist scores of 3 and greater, reoperation, and a prolonged length of stay as independent risk factors for readmission. This analysis can be used to identify the standard of practice in synostosis care and enhance the implementation of ancillary care services to provide safe and cost-effective care for patients undergoing craniosynostosis repair.