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Interhospital Transfer for Emergency General Surgery: A Contemporary National Analysis.

Authors :
Sakowitz, Sara
Bakhtiyar, Syed Shahyan
Zihan Gao
Mallick, Saad
Vadlakonda, Amulya
Coaston, Troy
Balian, Jeffrey
Chervu, Nikhil
Benharash, Peyman
Source :
American Surgeon. Oct2024, Vol. 90 Issue 10, p2374-2383. 10p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Background: Patients undergoing emergency general surgery (EGS) often require complex management and transfer to higher acuity facilities, especially given increasing national efforts aimed at centralizing care. We sought to characterize factors and evaluate outcomes associated with interhospital transfer using a contemporary national cohort. Methods: All adult hospitalizations for EGS (appendectomy, cholecystectomy, laparotomy, lysis of adhesions, small/large bowel resection, and perforated ulcer repair) ≤2 days of admission were identified in the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample. Patients initially admitted to a different institution and transferred to the operating hospital comprised the Transfer cohort (others: Non-Transfer). Multivariable models were developed to consider the association of Transfer with outcomes of interest. Results: Of ~1 653 169 patients, 107 945 (6.5%) were considered the Transfer cohort. The proportion of patients experiencing interhospital transfer increased from 5.2% to 7.7% (2016-2020, P < .001). On average, Transfer was older, more commonly of White race, and of a higher Elixhauser comorbidity index. After adjustment, increasing age, living in a rural area, receiving care in the Midwest, and decreasing income quartile were associated with greater odds of interhospital transfer. Following risk adjustment, Transfer remained linked with increased odds of in-hospital mortality (AOR 1.64, CI 1.49-1.80), as well as any perioperative complication (AOR 1.33, CI 1.27-1.38; Reference: Non-Transfer). Additionally, Transfer was associated with significantly longer duration of hospitalization (β + 1.04 days, CI + .91-1.17) and greater costs (β+$3,490, CI + 2840-4140). Discussion: While incidence of interhospital transfer for EGS is increasing, transfer patients face greater morbidity and resource utilization. Novel interventions are needed to optimize patient selection and improve post-transfer outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00031348
Volume :
90
Issue :
10
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
American Surgeon
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
179590749
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/00031348241244642