National Analysis of 30-Day Readmission Following Inpatient Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Abstract

Objectives: To characterize the incidence, causes, risk factors, and costs of 30-day readmission after inpatient functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Study design: Retrospective cohort study.

Methods: The Nationwide Readmissions Database was used to characterize readmission after inpatient sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis from 2015 to 2017. International Classification of Disease codes were used to identify the patient population, which included 5,644 patients. Incidence, causes, costs, and predictors of readmission were analyzed and determined.

Results: Among 6,386 patients who underwent inpatient FESS, 742 (11.6%) were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. On univariate analysis, patients who were readmitted were more commonly older than 70 years (23.3% vs. 16.2%); had a higher burden of comorbidities including chronic kidney disease (15.0% vs. 7.8%), diabetes (25.6% vs. 20.4%), and hypertension (13.5% vs. 8.5%); had a greater rate of postoperative complications (20.7% vs. 12.2%); and had a longer length of stay (12.4 vs. 6.9 days) compared to patients who were not readmitted. Readmissions cost an additional $27,141 per patient. On multivariable analysis, age greater than 70 years, Medicaid insurance, several comorbidities, prolonged length of stay, postoperative neurologic complications, and lower hospital volume were independent predictors of 30-day readmission. The most common cause for readmission was infection (36.3%).

Conclusion: Readmission following inpatient FESS is not uncommon. Identification and management of preoperative comorbidities, optimized patient selection for inpatient surgery, and thorough postoperative discharge care may improve patient outcomes and decrease healthcare expenditures.

Level of evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1422-E1428, 2021.

Keywords: 30-day readmission; Adult rhinology; chronic rhinosinusitis; functional endoscopic sinus surgery; outcomes/cost effectiveness.