Propensity score analysis evaluating preoperative glucocorticoid administration in elective colectomy

Preoperative glucocorticoid (GC) administration attenuates the physiological response to surgery and improves clinical outcomes. However, GC use is not yet universally implemented. A propensity score analysis was performed to evaluate preoperative GC use in elective colectomy.

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted for all patients who had undergone elective colectomy within an established Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme at our institution from January 2006 to 2010. Demographic data, surgery type, glucocorticoid administration and clinical outcomes including complication rates and length of hospital stay (LOS) were investigated. Univariate and propensity score analyses were conducted with statistical significance identified as p ≤ 0.05.

There were 253 patients included in the analysis, of which 146 received preoperative GC. There were significant baseline differences between those who received GC and those who did not in male gender (GC: 56 (38%); non-GC: 58 (54%); p = 0.02) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) III (GC: 40 (27%); non-GC: 43 (40%); p = 0.04). On univariate analysis, there were no significant differences in the incidence of total complications, major complication, anastomotic leak and infectious complication. On propensity score analysis, preoperative GC administration was found to be independently associated with a reduction in LOS (GC: 5; Non-GC: 6; p = 0.04).

Preoperative GC administration is associated with a reduction in LOS without an increase in postoperative complications.