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. 2022 Apr-Jun;18(2):273-278.
doi: 10.4103/jmas.JMAS_296_20.

Readmissions after cholecystectomy in a tertiary UK centre: Incidence, causes and burden

Islam Omar  1 , Ahmed Hafez  2
Affiliations

Readmissions after cholecystectomy in a tertiary UK centre: Incidence, causes and burden

Islam Omar et al. J Minim Access Surg. 2022 Apr-Jun.

Abstract

Context: Although cholecystectomy is a widely performed procedure, post-operative readmissions place a heavy burden on healthcare facilities.

Aims: This study assesses the incidence, causes and burden of 30-day readmissions after cholecystectomy in a tertiary UK centre.

Settings and design: This study was conducted at a university hospital, and the study design involves retrospective cohort study.

Materials and methods: Information was obtained from our prospectively maintained database and hospital's computerised records.

Statistical analysis: The encounters are expressed in numbers and percentages. The hospital stay, body mass index and age are expressed in mean, standard deviation (SD), min-max and median. Microsoft Excel® was used to calculate the means, SD, min-max and median.

Results: Out of the 1140 cholecystectomies performed over this time, there were 75 true readmissions and 29 revisits; thus, the actual readmission rate is 6.58%. Non-specific abdominal pain ± deranged liver function test (LFT) is the most common cause of readmissions/ revisits in (38; 36.54%) cases, followed by (18; 17.31%) wound infections and (12; 11.54%) collections/bile leaks/abscess. This cost the centre 93 scans, 30 procedures and 295 days of hospital stay.

Conclusions: Non-specific abdominal pain ± deranged LFT is the most common cause of readmissions/revisits in the centre. Readmissions after a cholecystectomy are a significant encumbrance.

Keywords: Cholecystectomy; gallstone disease; readmissions; surgical complications.

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Conflict of interest statement

None

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