Orthognathic Surgery in the US. What are the Risk Factors for Readmission?

Abstract

Purpose: Contemporary orthognathic surgery is safe and predicable. However, there are opportunities for further improvement. The purpose of this study was to estimate the frequency and identify risk factors for readmission following orthognathic surgery in the US. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) on patients who underwent orthognathic surgery in 2017 and 2018. There were multiple heterogenous predictor variables that were broadly comprised of patient characteristics and hospitalization characteristics. The primary outcome variable was readmission. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors for hospital readmission. A P-value less than .05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The final study sample consisted of 8578 patients (mean age, 27.2 years), of whom 74 patients (0.9%) readmitted. Relative to a length of stay (LOS) of 0 to 2 days, a LOS of >2 days (OR 1.90, P < .05) was a risk factor for readmission. Patients with acute post procedural pain were 3 times more likely to readmit ( P < .05). Conclusion: Patients with an LOS of >2 days were at risk for readmission relative to patients with an LOS of 0 to 2 days. Post-procedural pain was also a significant risk factor for readmission. Finally, patients with mandibular hypoplasia were less likely to readmit.