Seniors more likely to be admitted after ambulatory surgery

Editor's Note

Seniors are much more likely than younger patients to be admitted to the hospital after ambulatory surgery, this study finds.

Of more than 53,000 patients analyzed, those aged 65 and older were 54% more likely to be admitted to the hospital within 30 days of ambulatory surgery than those younger than 65.

The patients’ health before surgery was not a factor in the higher readmission rate. Rather, older patients had trouble understanding their discharge and medication dosing instructions.

Even after adjusting for comorbidities, older adults are at greater risk of unanticipated hospital admission within 30 days of ambulatory surgery. Renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, current cancer treatment, diabetes mellitus, and history of amputation or revascularization were also associated with greater likelihood of hospital admission.