Preoperative Predictors and Costs of 30-Day Readmission Following Inpatient Pediatric Tonsillectomy in the United States

To understand national trends in 30-day postoperative readmission following inpatient pediatric tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

Retrospective cohort study.

Nationwide Readmissions Database.

We used the Nationwide Readmissions Database to identify and analyze 30-day readmissions following inpatient tonsillectomy from 2010 to 2015. Using the International Classification of Disease codes, we identified 66,652 patients and analyzed the incidence, causes, risk factors, and costs of 30-day readmission.

Of 66,652 patients who underwent inpatient tonsillectomy, 2660 (4.0%) experienced a readmission. Readmitted patients were more commonly aged <2 years (23.4 vs 10.6%, P = .01) and had a greater burden of comorbidities, including preoperative anemia (3.9 vs 1.3%, P < .001), coagulopathy (3.5 vs 1.4%, P < .001), and neurologic disorders (19.1 vs 6.6%, P < .001). Readmitted patients experienced higher rates of postoperative complications (17.4 vs 9.0%, P < .001) and had a longer length of stay (4.5 vs 2.2 days, P < .001). Index cost of hospitalization was higher among readmitted patients ($14,129 vs $7307, P < .001), and each readmission cost an additional $7576. Postoperative hemorrhage (21.3%) and dehydration (17.7%) were the 2 most common causes for readmission. Independent predictors of readmission included age <3 years, multiple comorbidities, and postoperative neurologic complications. The incidences of tonsillectomies and readmissions declined during the study period, most notably between 2010 and 2012.

Readmission after inpatient tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy places a substantial financial burden on the health care system. Targeted strategies to improve preoperative assessment and optimize postoperative care may prevent readmission, reduce unnecessary health care expenditures, and improve patient outcomes.