Unanticipated Admission Following Outpatient Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition: An Analysis of 3966 Cases

Abstract

Background: Hand surgeons in the United States commonly perform ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) to address debilitating thumb carpometacarpal arthritis. The objective of this investigation was to examine the characteristics that place patients at risk for unanticipated inpatient admission after a planned outpatient LRTI. Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) datasets from years 2009 to 2016 were used to identify patients with a primary Current Procedural Terminology code for LRTI (25445, 25447). Only outpatient, nonemergent, and elective procedures were considered. Univariable and multivariable regression were used to determine risk factors and postoperative complications associated with increased likelihood of unanticipated admission, defined as length of initial hospital stay greater than 0 days. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Results: Of 3966 patients who underwent outpatient LRTI, 134 (3.4%) had unplanned admission. On multivariable regression, age ≥ 65 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.50), white race (OR = 4.44), and chronic steroid use (OR = 2.42) were significant predictors of unplanned admission. History of smoking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, and anesthesia method were not associated with admission. Patients who had unplanned admission had increased rate of reoperation (2.5% vs 0.3%) compared with nonadmitted patients. There was no difference in rate of postoperative infection, deep vein thrombosis, wound dehiscence, or 30-day mortality. Conclusions: Age ≥ 65 years, chronic steroid use, and white race were significant predictors of unplanned admission following LRTI. Identifying patients with these characteristics will be critical in risk adjusting the anticipated cost of the episode of care in outpatient LRTI.