Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
05:39
Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Published on: May 26, 2023
Hospital readmission after pulmonary resection: prevalence, patterns, and predisposing characteristics
J R Handy1, A I Child, G L Grunkemeier
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Oregon Clinic, Portland 97213, USA. jhandy@orclinic.com
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|January 16, 2002
Summary
Hospital readmission after pulmonary resection is common, with pulmonary issues and infections being primary causes. Pneumonectomy increases readmission risk, and these patients face higher mortality.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Hospital readmission following pulmonary resection presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Understanding readmission patterns and risk factors is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Previous studies have not fully elucidated the characteristics and prevalence of readmissions after lung surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency, patterns, and predisposing factors associated with hospital readmission after pulmonary resection.
- To identify specific patient characteristics and surgical factors that increase the risk of readmission.
- To analyze the causes and timing of readmissions following lung surgery.
Main Methods:
- A 5-year analysis of prospective data from a computerized database of pulmonary resections (excluding lung biopsies).
- Readmission was defined as any inpatient or emergency department admission within 90 days of the initial operation.
- Data from 1,173,912 admissions were screened, with operative deaths excluded from readmission analysis.
Main Results:
- Of 366 patients discharged after pulmonary resection, 69 (18.9%) experienced 113 readmissions.
- Pulmonary diagnoses (27%) and postoperative infections (14%) were the most common causes for readmission.
- Pneumonectomy was identified as a significant risk factor for readmission (36% of pneumonectomy patients were readmitted).
Conclusions:
- Readmission after pulmonary resection is frequent, with multiple readmissions occurring in a notable proportion of patients.
- Pulmonary complications and surgical site infections are the predominant reasons for readmission.
- Patients readmitted after pulmonary resection exhibit an increased risk of mortality compared to those not readmitted.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...