Prolonged hospital stay and readmission rate in an enhanced recovery after surgery cohort undergoing colorectal cancer surgery

Aim The present database study aimed to identify patients with a longer postoperative length of stay (LOS) or patients readmitted and to characterize both groups based on perioperative factors. Method A retrospective review of the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group database and a local database was performed of all patients undergoing elective resection for colorectal cancer in a 25-month period. The primary outcome was the number of patients with a prolonged hospital stay (LOS >= 10 days after the primary operation) and readmissions within 30 days after discharge. Results A total of 372 patients with colon resection and 215 patients with rectal resection were included. Patients undergoing colonic resection had a rate of prolonged hospital stay of 10.6% and a readmission rate of 13.7%; prolonged hospital stay was significantly associated with age >= 76 years and those who underwent a conversion from a laparoscopic procedure. Patients undergoing rectal cancer resection had a rate of prolonged hospital stay of 17.7% and a readmission rate of 14.0%; Charlson comorbidity score (CCS) >= 2, total mesorectal excision (TME) and laparoscopic conversion were significantly associated with prolonged hospital stay, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score >= 3, TME and a duration of surgery >= 300 min were significantly associated with readmission. Conclusion In patients with colon cancer, older age and conversion to open surgery were associated with prolonged hospital stay. In patients with rectal cancer, CCS >= 2, TME and conversion were associated with prolonged hospital stay, and a preoperative ASA score >= 3, TME and a duration of surgery >= 300 min were associated with readmission.