Affiliation:
1. Division of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Lehigh Valley Health Network Allentown Pennsylvania USA
2. Morsani School of Medicine University of South Florida Tampa Florida USA
3. Lehigh Valley Health Network Office of Research and Innovation Allentown Pennsylvania USA
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine readmissions following microlaryngeal surgery. It was hypothesized that airway surgical procedures would have higher rates of readmission.DesignRetrospective review.MethodsOutpatient microlaryngeal surgeries from May 1, 2018 to November 27, 2022 were reviewed. Readmissions related to the original surgery within a 30‐day postoperative period were examined. Patient demographics, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologist class, comorbidities, type of surgery, ventilation techniques, and operative times were examined and compared.ResultsOut of 480 procedures analyzed, 19 (4.0%) resulted in a readmission, 9 (1.9%) of which were for glottic stenosis management. Undergoing an airway procedure was significantly associated with a readmission (p = .002) and increased the odds of readmission by 5.99 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.22–16.16, p < .001). Current/former smoking status increased the odds of readmission by 4.50 (95% CI: 1.33–15.19, p = .016). Each additional minute of operating time increased the odds of readmission by 1.03 (95% CI: 1.00–1.05, p = .04).ConclusionReadmissions from microlaryngeal surgery are seldom reported but nonetheless occur. Identifying factors that may place a procedure at risk for readmission can help improve surgical quality of care.Level of Evidence4.