Comparison of perioperative outcomes between colorectal operations performed on weekends vs those performed on weekdays.

BACKGROUND

Weekend surgical time is an underused asset. Concerns over a possible weekend effect (substandard care) may be a barrier.

METHODS

This study examined whether a weekend effect applies to elective colorectal surgery via a single-center retrospective analysis comparing outcomes between patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery on a weekend vs a weekday. Demographics, length of stay (LOS), operative and anesthesia time, the rate of reoperation within 30 days, and the rate of major complications were compared between patient groups.

RESULTS

Of the 2008 patients identified, 1721 (85.7%) underwent surgery on a weekday, and 287 (14.3%) underwent surgery on a weekend. The proportion of operations with an open approach was higher on weekends than weekdays (49.5% vs 41.8%, P = .017). Patients who underwent surgery on the weekend tended to have a shorter mean (SE) for LOS (4.2 [0.2] vs 6.1 [0.2], P < .001), anesthesia time (233.8 [6.5] vs 307.6 [3.3] minutes, P < .001), and operative time (225.4 [6.4] vs. 297.6 [3.3] minutes, P < .001). On multivariable analysis, patients who had an operation on a weekend had a 38% lower chance of having a prolonged LOS (>75th percentile of LOS) compared with those who had an operation on a weekday (adjusted odds ratio = 0.62; 95% CI 0.42-0.92). There were no differences in rates of complications or reoperation for patients undergoing surgery on a weekend compared with a weekday.

CONCLUSION

At centers with experienced anesthesiologists, appropriately trained nursing staff, and expert surgeons, colorectal surgery performed on a weekend has similar safety outcomes as surgeries performed on a weekday.