THE IMPACT OF POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS ON 30-DAY READMISSION AFTER GENERAL SURGERY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48047/qjxqz790Keywords:
Hospital readmission, General surgery, Surgical-site infection, Postoperative complicationsAbstract
In this prospective cohort study, unplanned 30-day readmission following general surgical procedures occurred in 12% of patients, highlighting a substantial burden on both healthcare resources and patient outcomes. The analysis demonstrated that postoperative complications during the index admission were the strongest predictors of readmission, increasing the likelihood of rehospitalization by more than threefold. Surgical-site infection emerged as another major determinant, emphasizing the ongoing impact of wound-related complications on postoperative recovery. Patients undergoing emergency surgery were also at elevated risk, likely reflecting greater disease severity, limited opportunities for preoperative optimization, and higher rates of postoperative morbidity. Similarly, prolonged index hospital stay was independently associated with readmission, suggesting that extended hospitalization may serve as a marker of clinical complexity and unresolved recovery issues. Diabetes mellitus contributed significantly to readmission risk, consistent with its known effects on wound healing, infection susceptibility, and postoperative recovery. Wound-related and gastrointestinal complications represented the most common reasons for readmission, indicating key targets for preventive interventions. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive perioperative care strategies that extend beyond the initial hospital stay. Enhanced infection-prevention measures, meticulous postoperative monitoring, optimized glycaemic control, and early recognition of complications may substantially reduce readmission rates. Furthermore, structured discharge planning, patient education regarding warning symptoms, medication reconciliation, and timely post-discharge follow-up could facilitate earlier intervention and prevent avoidable rehospitalizations. The study supports the use of risk-based discharge pathways that prioritize high-risk patients, particularly those with postoperative complications, diabetes, emergency surgical admissions, and prolonged hospital stays. Future multicentre studies are warranted to validate these findings and evaluate targeted interventions designed to reduce readmission and improve long-term surgical outcomes
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