Factors Affecting Higher Readmission Rates and Costs in Pediatric Patients With Hirschsprung Disease

Hirschsprung disease is a relatively uncommon disorder of the developing gastrointestinal tract that requires surgical intervention to restore long-term function. While readmission for Hirschsprung-related complications is a known concern in these patients, we sought to identify patient-level factors associated with a prolonged hospital stay, increased costs at the time of a pull-through operation, as well as the risk for all-cause inpatient readmission after surgery. We hypothesized that higher level of care requirement during the operative stay, age at operation, and length of stay (LOS) would portend increased readmissions and disease-related complications such as Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis.

Data was obtained from the Pediatric Health Information System database on all Hirschprung patients who underwent a pull-through operation between 2004 and 2019. Regression analyses were performed on this cohort of 3345 patients. Multivariable regression models were utilized to analyze the key outcome variables of postoperative LOS and adjusted charges.

Post-operative LOS was significantly increased by the presence of a surgical complication, congenital/genetic defect, or neurologic/neuromuscular defect. Increased LOS was also seen in Black patients. The cost of pull-through operations was significantly higher in patients admitted to the NICU and ICU during index hospitalization, with a cost increase of approximately $75,000 and $57,000 respectively. Presence of a surgical complication, comorbid congenital/genetic defect, and need for mechanical ventilation were associated with higher odds of inpatient readmission.

The management of patients with Hirschsprung disease is longitudinal and complex. Identification of key patient metrics can aid clinicians in developing targeted care and education strategies to minimize readmission and excessive hospital charges.