Francis Lovecchio

Factors Affecting Readmission Rates Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Readmissions following total hip arthroplasty are a focus given the forthcoming financial penalties that hospitals in the United States may incur starting in 2015. The purpose of this study was to identify both preoperative comorbidities and postoperative conditions that increase the risk of readmission following total hip arthroplasty. METHODS Using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data for 2011, a study population was identified using the Current Procedural Terminology code for primary total hip arthroplasty (27130). The sample was stratified into readmitted and non-readmitted cohorts. Demographic variables, preoperative comorbidities, laboratory values, operative characteristics, and surgical outcomes were compared between the groups using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS Of the 9441 patients, there were 345 readmissions (3.65%) within the first thirty days following surgery. Comorbidities that increased the risk for readmission were diabetes (p < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p < 0.001), bleeding disorders (p < 0.001), preoperative blood transfusion (p = 0.035), corticosteroid use (p < 0.001), dyspnea (p = 0.001), previous cardiac surgery (p = 0.002), and hypertension (p < 0.001). A multivariate regression model was used to control for potential confounders. Having a body mass index of ≥40 kg/m2 (odds ratio, 1.941 [95% confidence interval, 1.019 to 3.696]; p = 0.044) and using corticosteroids preoperatively (odds ratio, 2.928 [95% confidence interval, 1.731 to 4.953]; p < 0.001) were independently associated with a higher likelihood of readmission, and a high preoperative serum albumin (odds ratio, 0.688 [95% confidence interval, 0.477 to 0.992]; p = 0.045) was independently associated with a lower risk for readmission. Postoperative surgical site infection, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, and sepsis (p < 0.001) were also independent risk factors for readmission. CONCLUSIONS The risk of readmission following total hip arthroplasty increases with growing preoperative comorbidity burden, and is specifically increased in patients with a body mass index of ≥40 kg/m2, a history of corticosteroid use, and low preoperative serum albumin and in patients with postoperative surgical site infection, a thromboembolic event, and sepsis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Predictors of thirty-day readmission after anterior cervical fusion.

Study Design. Retrospective cohort study. Objective. To determine the incidence of and factors predicting 30-day readmission after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Summary of Background Data. ACDF is being performed on an increasing basis on a wider population of patients, which is accompanied by rising costs. Readmissions have the potential to further deplete health care resources. Although past studies have shown that readmissions after surgery are driven by operative complications, specific predictors of readmission after ACDF are not well researched. Methods. All patients who underwent ACDF or anterior corpectomy and fusion procedures in 2011 were selected from the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement database. Readmissions were analyzed on the basis of demographics, comorbidities, operative characteristics, and complications were compared in univariate analyses. Multivariate logistic regression models were created to isolate the independent effects of preoperative and postoperative factors on readmission. Results. The nationwide readmission rate after ACDF surgery in this study is 2.5%. Pulmonary complications (8.5%), wound complications (8.5%), and urinary tract infections (8.5%) are the most common complications seen in readmitted patients. Readmitted patients were significantly older (58 vs. 53, P = 0.003), with higher rates of diabetes and hypertension (28.8% vs. 13.9%, P = 0.001; 64.4% vs. 42.6%, P = 0.001, respectively). Although certain preoperative factors such as age 65 years or more and preoperative stay more than 24 hours increase the odds of operative complications (odds ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.0–6.0 and odds ratio, 6.2; 95% confidence interval, 3.4–11.1, respectively), hypertension may independently increase the likelihood of readmission outside of any effect on complications (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–3.4). Conclusion. The data in this study suggests that surgeons are already controlling readmission rates by limiting peri- and postoperative complications, but patients with a history of hypertension could have an increased likelihood of being readmitted despite avoiding a complication. Level of Evidence: 3

Risk factors for 30-day readmission in patients undergoing ventral hernia repair

BACKGROUND Ventral hernia repair (VHR), an increasingly common procedure, may have a greater impact on health care costs than is currently appreciated. Readmissions have the potential to further increase these costs and negatively impact patient outcomes. New national registry data allows for an in-depth look at the predictors and rates of readmission after VHR. METHODS The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients who underwent only an incisional or VHR in 2011. Patients who had any concomitant procedure were excluded. Using readmission as the dependent variable, a multivariate logistic regression model was created to identify independent predictors of readmission. RESULTS VHR had a 4.9% 30-day readmission rate in 2011. Deep/incisional (12.6%) and superficial site infections (10.5%) were the most common wound complications seen in readmitted patients (both P < .001), whereas sepsis/septic shock (10.14%; P < .001) was the most common systemic complication. Higher class body mass index is not associated with readmission (P = .320). Smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease function as predictors of readmission independently from their association with complications (odds ratio [OR], 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.6; and OR, 1.6, 95% CI, 1.1-2.3, respectively). Operative factors such as the use of mesh (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.995-1.7) or laparoscopy (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.96-1.6) do not increase likelihood of readmission. CONCLUSION There is room for improvement in VHR readmission rates. Although complications are the main driver of readmission, surgeons must be aware of comorbidities that independently increase the odds of readmission, even when a complication does not occur.

Impact of Resident Involvement on Orthopaedic Surgery Outcomes: An Analysis of 30,628 Patients from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database

BACKGROUND Operative procedural training is a key component of orthopaedic surgery residency. The influence of intraoperative resident participation on the outcomes of surgery has not been studied extensively using large, population-based databases. METHODS We identified 30,628 patients who underwent orthopaedic procedures from the 2011 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Outcomes as measured by perioperative complications, readmission rates, and mortality within thirty days were compared for cases with and without intraoperative resident involvement. RESULTS Logistic regression with propensity score analysis revealed that intraoperative resident participation was associated with decreased rates of overall complications (odds ratio, 0.717 [95% confidence interval, 0.657 to 0.782]), medical complications (odds ratio, 0.723 [95% confidence interval, 0.661 to 0.790]), and mortality (odds ratio, 0.638 [95% confidence interval, 0.427 to 0.951]). Resident presence in the operating room was not predictive of wound complications (odds ratio, 0.831 [95% confidence interval, 0.656 to 1.053]), readmission (odds ratio, 0.962 [95% confidence interval, 0.830 to 1.116]), or reoperation (odds ratio, 0.938 [95% confidence interval, 0.758 to 1.161]). A second analysis by propensity score stratification into quintiles grouped by similar probability of intraoperative resident presence showed resident involvement to correlate with decreased rates of overall and medical complications in three quintiles, but increased rates of overall and medical complications in one quintile. All other outcomes were equivalent across quintiles. CONCLUSIONS Orthopaedic resident involvement during surgical procedures is associated with lower risk of perioperative complications and mortality in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The results support resident participation in the operative care of orthopaedic patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Do Patients With Insulin-dependent and Noninsulin-dependent Diabetes Have Different Risks for Complications After Arthroplasty?

BackgroundPatients with diabetes are known to be at greater risk for complications after arthroplasty than are patients without diabetes. However, we do not know whether there are important differences in the risk of perioperative complications between patients with diabetes who are insulin-dependent (Type 1 or 2) and those who are not insulin-dependent. Questions/purposes The purpose of our study was to compare (1) medical complications (including death), (2) surgical complications, and (3) readmissions within 30 days between patients with insulin-dependent and noninsulin-dependent diabetes, and with patients who do not have diabetes.MethodsA total of 43,299 patients undergoing THA or TKA between 2005 and 2011 were selected from the American College of Surgeon’s National Surgical Quality Improvement Program’s (ACS-NSQIP®) database. Generalized linear models were used to assess the relationship between diabetes status and outcomes (no diabetes [n = 36,574], insulin dependent [n = 1552], and noninsulin dependent [n = 5173]). Multivariate models were established adjusting for confounders including age, sex, race, BMI, smoking, steroid use, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and anesthesia type. Post hoc comparisons between patient groups were made using a Bonferroni correction.ResultsPatients who were insulin dependent had increased odds of experiencing a medical complication (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2–2.0; p < 0.001), as did patients who were noninsulin dependent (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1–1.4; p< 0.001). An increased likelihood of 30-day mortality was found only for patients who were insulin dependent (OR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.6–8.5; p = 0.007). However, neither diabetic state was associated with surgical complications. Finally, readmission was found to be independently associated with insulin-dependent diabetes (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.1; p = 0.023).ConclusionsPatients with insulin-dependent diabetes are most likely to have a medical complication or be readmitted within 30 days after total joint replacement. However, patients who are insulin dependent or noninsulin dependent are no more likely than patients without diabetes to have a surgical complication. Physicians and hospitals should keep these issues in mind when counseling patients and generating risk-adjusted outcome reports.Level of EvidenceLevel III, therapeutic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Synergistic interactions with a high intraoperative expander fill volume increase the risk for mastectomy flap necrosis

Purpose Prosthetic-based breast reconstruction is performed with increasing frequency in the United States. Major mastectomy skin flap necrosis is a significant complication with outcomes ranging from poor aesthetic appearance to reconstructive failure. The present study aimed to explore the interactions between intraoperative fill and other risk factors on the incidence of flap necrosis in patients undergoing mastectomy with immediate expander/implant-based reconstruction. Methods A retrospective review of 966 consecutive patients (1,409 breasts) who underwent skin or nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate tissue expander reconstruction at a single institution was conducted. Age, body mass index, hypertension, smoking status, premastectomy and postmastectomy radiation, acellular dermal matrix use, and application of the tumescent mastectomy technique were analyzed as potential predictors of flap necrosis both independently and as synergistic variables with high intraoperative fill. The following three measures of interaction were calculated: relative excess risk due to interaction, attributable proportion of risk due to interaction, and synergy index (SI). Results Intraoperative tissue expander fill volume was high (≥66.7% of the maximum volume) in 40.9% (576 of 1,409 breasts) of cases. The unadjusted flap necrosis rate was greater in the high intraoperative fill cohort than in the low fill cohort (10.4% vs. 7.1%, p=0.027). Multivariate logistic regression did not identify high intraoperative fill volume as an independent risk factor for flap necrosis (odds ratio 1.442, 95% confidence interval 0.973-2.137, p=0.068). However, four risk factors were identified that interacted significantly with intraoperative fill volume, namely tumescence, age, hypertension, and obesity. The SI, or the departure from additive risks, was largest for tumescence (SI, 25.3), followed by hypertension (SI, 2.39), obesity (SI, 2.28), and age older than 50 years (SI, 1.17). Conclusion In the postmastectomy, hypovascular milieu, multiple risk factors decreasing flap perfusion interact with high intraoperative fill volume to cross a threshold and synergistically increase the risk of flap necrosis.

The influence of BMI on perioperative morbidity following abdominal hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to assess the impact of body mass index (BMI) on 30 day perioperative morbidity following abdominal hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN The 2006-2010 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data registry was retrospectively reviewed for patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. Logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between BMI and postoperative complications. RESULTS A total of 9917 patients were captured, of which, 2219 were of an ideal BMI, 2765 were overweight, and 4933 were obese. Complications occurred in 11.3% of the procedures, with obese patients experiencing significantly higher rates of morbidity compared with overweight and nonobese patients (13.2%, 9.7%, and 9.0%, respectively; P < .001). Surgical complications were rare; however, a significant step-wise progression was observed with increasing BMI (P < .001). The rate of reoperations and overall medical complication did not differ among cohorts, although the incidence of deep vein thromboses (DVTs) was notably elevated in obese and overweight patients (P = .032). Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) found both overweight and obese patients to be at a significantly higher risk of surgical complications (OR, 1.6 and 3.0, respectively) and wound infections (OR, 1.7 and 3.0, respectively). Overweight patients were also at higher risk for DVTs (OR, 4.6) and obese patients for overall morbidity (OR, 1.4) and wound disruption (OR, 3.6). CONCLUSION Obese and overweight patients demonstrated an increased risk for periorperative morbidity following abdominal hysterectomies.

Risk factors for complications differ between stages of tissue-expander breast reconstruction

BackgroundTissue-expander (TE) placement followed by implant exchange is currently the most popular method of breast reconstruction. There is a relative paucity of data demonstrating patient factors that predict complications specifically by stage of surgery. The present study attempts to determine what complications are most likely to occur at each stage and how the risk factors for complications vary by stage of reconstruction. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed on all 1275 patients who had TEs placed by the 2 senior authors between 2004 and 2013. Complication rates were determined at each stage of reconstruction, and these rates were further compared between patients who had pre-stage I radiation, post-stage I radiation, and no radiation exposure. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of complications at each stage of reconstruction. ResultsA total of 1639 consecutive TEs were placed by the senior authors during the study period. The overall rate for experiencing a complication at any stage of surgery was 17%. Complications occurred at uniformly higher rates during stage I for all complications (92% stage I vs 7% stage II vs 1% stage III, P < 0.001). Predictors of stage I complications included increased body mass index [odds ratio (OR), 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.07], current smoking status (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.7–4.8), and higher intraoperative percent fill (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.7–6.3). Post-stage I radiation was the only independent risk factor for a stage II complication (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.4–15.2). ConclusionsComplications occur at higher rates after stage I than after stage II, and as expected, stage III complications are exceedingly rare. Risk factors for stage I complications are different from risk factors for stage II complications. Body mass index and smoking are associated with complications at stage I, but do not predict complications at stage II surgery. The stratification of risk factors by stage of surgery will help surgeons and patients better manage both risk and expectations.

Preoperative Anemia Does Not Predict Complications After Single-level Lumbar Fusion: A Propensity Score–matched Multicenter Study

Study Design. Multicenter retrospective cohort study. Objective. To estimate the impact of preoperative anemia on 30-day complications in patients undergoing single-level lumbar fusion. Summary of Background Data. Anemia has been widely implicated as a risk factor in various surgical procedures including elective spine surgery. No large-scale study has been performed to examine this relationship in single-level lumbar fusion surgery. Methods. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was retrospectively reviewed to identify all patients who underwent single-level lumbar fusion procedures during 2006 to 2011. A propensity score–matching algorithm was used to match scores of anemic patients with that of nonanemic patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of unadjusted and propensity score–matched cohorts was performed to examine the effect of preoperative anemia on 30-day postoperative complication rates and length of hospital stay. Results. A total of 2960 patients met inclusion criteria. The propensity score–matching procedure yielded scores of 491 pairs of well-matched nonanemic and anemic patients. The multivariate analysis of propensity score–matched population found preoperative anemia to carry no significant association with any of the complications analyzed, including overall complications, medical complications, surgical complications, reoperation, mortality, or length of total hospital stay. Conclusion. For patients undergoing single-level lumbar fusion, preoperative anemia is not independently associated with increased risk of 30-day complications or increased length of stay. Further studies are needed to independently validate this relationship in other spine surgical procedures. Level of Evidence: 3

Avascular necrosis is associated with increased transfusions and readmission following primary total hip arthroplasty

Avascular necrosis (AVN) may confer an increased risk of complications and readmission following total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, current risk-adjustment models do not account for AVN. A total of 1706 patients who underwent THA for AVN from 2011 to 2013 were selected from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database and matched 1:1 to controls using a predetermined propensity score algorithm. Rates of 30-day medical and surgical complications, readmissions, and reoperations were compared between cohorts. Propensity-score logistic regression was used to determine independent associations between AVN and outcomes of interest. Patients with AVN had a higher rate of medical complications than those without AVN (20.3% vs 15.3%, respectively; P<.001). Bleeding transfusion was the most common medical complication, occurring at a significantly higher rate in patients with AVN than those without AVN (19.6% vs 13.9%, respectively; P<.001). Patients with AVN were also twice as likely to experience a readmission after THA (odds ratio, 2.093; 95% confidence interval, 1.385-3.164). Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is an independent risk factor for transfusion up to 72 hours postoperatively and readmission up to 30 days following total hip replacement. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(3):171-176.].