Timing of readmissions for complications following emergency colectomy: follow-up beyond post-operative day 30 matters

Emergency colectomies are associated with a higher risk of complications compared to elective ones. A critical assessment of complications occurring beyond post-operative day 30 (POD30) is lacking. This study aimed to assess the readmission rate and factors associated with readmission 6-months following emergency colectomy. A retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent emergency colectomy (2010–2018) was performed using the Nationwide Readmissions Database. The cohort was divided into two groups: (i) no readmission and (ii) emergency readmission(s) for complications related to colectomy (defined using ICD-9/10 codes). Readmissions were categorized as either “early” (POD0–30) or “late” (> POD30). Differences between groups were described and multivariable regression controlling for relevant covariates defined a priori were used to identify factors associated with timing of readmission and cost. Of 141,481 eligible cases, 13.22