Factors predicting the increased risk for return to the operating room in bariatric patients: a NSQIP database study

Background The objective of the study was to assess the risk factors associated with return to the operating room in bariatric surgery patients. Methods Using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project’s participant-use file, patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass (LRYGB) and adjustable gastric band (LAGB) procedures for morbid obesity were identified. Several pre-, peri-, and postoperative variables, including 30 day morbidity and mortality, were collected. The study population was divided into two groups: patients returning to the operating room (group 1), and patients not returning to the operating room (group 2). Variables analyzed included postoperative complications, overall morbidity, and mortality. Relationships between preoperative and perioperative factors leading to the return to the operating room also were analyzed. Results Of 28,241 (LRYGB = 18,671, LAGB = 9,570) patients included in the study, 644 (2.3 %) patients returned to the operating room. Of the study population, 30 day mortality rate was 0.13 % (37/28,241) and morbidity was 4.1 % (1,155/28,241). Patients returning to the operating room had a higher mortality [14/644 (2.2 %) vs. 23/27,597 (0.01 %); P