Unplanned 30-day readmissions after endovascular aneurysm repair: An analysis using the Nationwide Readmissions Database

Background: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is the preferred method for addressing abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), with proven reduction in perioperative morbidity and mortality. There are, however limited data examining the readmissions after EVAR that are associated with increased patient morbidity and cost. As EVAR use continues its dominance in the management of AAAs, it becomes imperative to identify and mitigate risk factors associated with unplanned hospital readmissions. Methods: The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) was queried for all 30-day readmissions after an index EVAR procedure from 2012 to 2014. Preoperative patient demographics, hospital characteristics, readmission diagnosis, and costs were compared between those who were and were not readmitted within 30 days of the index operation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify potential risk factors associated with unplanned readmissions within 30 days. Results: We identified 120,646 patients who underwent an EVAR from 2012 to 2014 in the United States. The overall unplanned readmission rate during this period was 11.6% (n = 14,073) within 30 days of the index EVAR procedure. The readmission rate was the highest in 2012, with a rate of 12.3% (P =.02). Multivariate regression analysis showed that EVAR readmissions were significantly higher in patients who were of younger age (18 to 49 years) compared with other age groups (odds ratio [OR], 1.9-2.17; P <.001), female sex (OR, 1.367; P <.001), had Medicare (OR, 1.39) or Medicaid (OR, 1.25) insurance, or a combination of these. Underlying patient comorbidities significantly associated with readmissions included congestive heart failure (OR, 2.4), peripheral vascular disease (OR, 1.1), chronic pulmonary disease (OR, 1.2), cancer with no metastasis (OR, 1.5), metastatic cancer (OR, 2.2), renal failure (OR, 1.8), and diabetes (OR, 1.5). Conclusions: The trend in 30-day readmission rates after EVAR has decreased slightly since 2012, but overall rates are at 11.6%, which is not insubstantial. Patient factors strongly associated with hospital readmission were younger age and patient comorbidities, including congestive heart failure, concurrent cancer diagnosis, renal failure, and diabetes.