Rates, risk factors for readmissions after emergency general surgery

Editor's Note

Readmission after emergency general surgery procedures is common and varies widely depending on patient factors and diagnosis categories, this study finds.

Of 177,500 emergency general surgery patients, the overall 30-day readmission rate was 5.91%. Predictors of readmission included Charlson Comorbidity Index score of 2 or greater, leaving against medical advice, and public insurance.

The most common reasons for readmission were surgical site infections (16.9%), GI complications (11.3%), and pulmonary complications (3.6%). Of those readmitted, 16.8% were readmitted to a different hospital.