Incidence of unplanned admissions after sinonasal surgery: a 6-year review

There has been an increasing transition from hospital-based surgeries to ambulatory surgery center (ASC)-based surgeries. A significant portion of ASC cases are otolaryngological procedures, with sinonasal surgery as one of the most common procedures. However, admissions into the hospital from the ASC can be difficult for the patient and the provider. This study evaluates the incidence of unplanned admissions after sinonasal surgery in a 6-year period and identifies the factors for these admissions.

A retrospective study was conducted of patients who had ambulatory sinonasal surgeries from January 2007 to December 2012 at Weill Cornell Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital performed by the senior author (A.K.). Electronic medical records were reviewed for age, gender, procedure/surgery performed, and admission and/or discharge information.

A total of 750 patients who underwent sinonasal surgeries from January 2007 to December 2012 were eligible for review. The study sample had a mean age of 46 years and 55.6% were male. There were a total of 24 admissions, of which 6 were unplanned (0.8%). Reasons for unplanned admissions included pain (most common, 50%), followed by epistaxis, nausea, and other.

The rate for unplanned admissions for sinonasal surgeries was 0.8%, which is lower than the national rate (2.65%), indicating that sinonasal surgeries are appropriate as ambulatory cases. Because the reason for unplanned admission was highest for pain, patients should be further evaluated for more effective methods of pain control postoperatively or preemptively.