What are the risk factors for readmission in patients with an ileostomy?

Abstract

Abstract Purpose the aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for readmission among patients submitted to colorectal surgery. Methods a single-center colorectal quality-assessment database was queried for patients undergoing colorectal procedures with ileostomy during 2009. the sample was divided into readmitted vs. non-readmitted. readmission was defined as admission within the first 30 days after the index procedure. Groups were compared by pre, intra and postoperative characteristics. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for readmission. Results the query returned 496 patients, [267 (54%) males, median age 48 years (iQr: 34-60)]. Eighty-three (17%) were readmitted; 296 patients (60%), were operated due to inflammatory bowel disease, 89 (18%) for cancer, 16 (3%) for diverticular disease and 95 (19%) for other diagnosis. the three most common procedures were total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (iPAA) in 103 patients (21%), total colectomy with end ileostomy in 117 (24%) and small bowel resections (including enterocutaneous fistula takedown and J-pouch excision) in 149 (30%). the following variables were significantly more common in readmitted patients: current smoking (24% vs. 14%, p = 0.02), postoperative DVt/PE (10% vs. 4%, p = 0.04), wound infection (20% vs. 10% p = 0.01), sepsis (22% vs. 8% p < 0.001) and organ or space surgical site infection (orgSSi) (35% vs. 5%, p < 0.001). Postoperative orgSSi was the only independent factor associated with readmission in a multivariate analysis (p < 0.001). Conclusion colorectal surgeons should be alert for orgSSi when facing an ileostomy patient readmitted after a colorectal procedure.