Post‐surgical readmission risk factors in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery

Background Otolaryngology patients are a high‐readmission‐risk group due to the complexity of surgeries, significant alterations to speech and swallowing functions, and high postoperative complications risk. Methods A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent otolaryngologic surgery at a single‐academic‐institution between March 2019 and February 2020. Results Among 365 discharges, 21 patients had unplanned readmissions within 30 days. On univariable analysis, acute myocardial infarction, number of total comorbidities, prior chemotherapy/radiation, active smoking, airway surgery, and enteral feeding, and on multivariable analysis, prior chemotherapy/radiation and active smoking were identified as significant readmission risk factors. Readmission risk increased from 2.43% to 7.48% and 41.67% with the addition of each risk factor. Conclusion Nearly 75% of the readmissions were due to potentially preventable reasons. By identifying and proactively intervening on “at risk” patients during the perioperative timeframe, complications and readmission can be reduced, thereby improving the overall quality of care delivered.