The researchers examined a large, multicenter clinical registry for patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery in 2012. There were 15,688 patients identified, 695 of which had unplanned 30-day hospital readmissions. By procedure, readmissions were:
• 2.2 percent after discectomy
• 9 percent after deformity
The top cause for readmission was wound-related conditions, appearing in 38.6 percent of the readmitted patients; pain-related admissions were next at 22.4 percent, followed by thromboembolic readmissions at 9.4 percent and systemic infections at 8 percent.
Predictors for readmission include:
• Older age, particularly patients older than 80
• African American race
• Recent weight loss
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder
• History of cancer
• Creatinine more than 1.2
• Elevated ASA class
• More than four hour operative time
• Prolonged hospital length of stay — more than four days
• More invasive procedures
More Articles on Spine Surgery:
Combat Spine Practice Regulatory Burden: Core Concepts to Optimize Efficiency
20 Recent Spine Surgery Studies and Findings
A New Innovation in Postoperative Spine Surgery Pain Management
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.