Association between obesity and risk of delayed discharge and unplanned readmission for day surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS:This work aims to investigate the association between obesity and risk of delayed discharge and unplanned readmission in day surgery patients. BACKGROUND:Day surgeries are well received and developing rapidly. Associations between obesity and delayed discharge and unplanned readmission, which are clinically relevant outcomes in day surgeries, are complex. DESIGN:A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. DATA SOURCES:The PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, and Wan Fang databases were comprehensively searched from inception until January 2021. REVIEW METHODS:Two independent reviewers assessed the studies and extracted data. Pooled estimates were obtained using a random-effects model. RESULTS:Eleven articles published between 2007 and 2020 were finally included. Obesity appeared not to increase the risk of delayed discharge. However, morbid obesity seemed to be associated with a higher risk of delayed discharge. The meta-analysis revealed no relationship between higher body mass index (BMI) and unplanned readmission for day surgery patients. CONCLUSIONS:Obesity appeared not to increase the risk of delayed discharge except in patients with morbid obesity. Additionally, a higher BMI was not associated with increased risk of unplanned readmission after day surgery. Future studies are required to address this issue further in different types of surgery and areas.