SP6.1.3 Readmissions After Cholecystectomy in a Tertiary UK Center: Incidence, Causes and Burden

Abstract

Abstract Context Although cholecystectomy is a widely performed procedure, postoperative readmissions place a heavy burden on healthcare facilities. Aims This study assesses the incidence, causes and burden of 30-day readmissions after cholecystectomy in a tertiary UK center. Settings and Design University Hospital, Retrospective Cohort Study. Methods and Material Information was obtained from our prospectively maintained database and hospital’s computerised records. Statistical analysis The encounters are expressed in numbers and percentages. The hospital stay, BMI and age are expressed in mean, standard deviation (SD), min-max and median. Microsoft Excel® was used to calculate the means, SD, min-max and median. Results Out of the 1,140 cholecystectomies performed over this time, there were 75 true readmissions and 29 revisits; thus, the actual readmission rate is 6.58%. Non-specific abdominal pain ± deranged liver function tests (LFT) is the most common cause of readmission at (38;36.54%) cases, followed by (18;17.31%) wound infections and (12;11.54%) collections/bile leaks/abscess. This costed the center 93 scans; 30 procedures and 295 days of hospital stay. Conclusions Non-specific abdominal pain ± deranged LFT is the most common cause of readmissions/revisits in the center. Readmissions after a cholecystectomy are a significant encumbrance.