Disparities and Risk Factors for Surgical Complication in American Indians and Native Hawaiians

American Indian and Alaskan Natives (AIAN) and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) research is limited, particularly in postoperative surgical outcomes. This study analyzes disparities in AIAN and NHPI surgical complications across all surgical types and identifies factors that contribute to postoperative complications.

This retrospective cohort study examined all surgeries from 2011 to 2020 in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, queried by race. Multivariable models analyzed the association of race and ethnicity and 30-day postoperative complication. Next, multivariable models were used to identify preoperative variables associated with postoperative complications, specifically in AIAN and NHPI patients. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

AIAN patients were associated with higher odds of postoperative complication (AOR: 1.008 [CI: 1.005-1.011], P < 0.001) compared to non-Hispanic white patients. The comorbidities that were of higher incidence in AIAN patients, which also adversely contributed to postoperative complication, included dependent functional status, diabetes, congestive heart failure (CHF), open wounds, preoperative weight loss, bleeding disorders, preoperative transfusion, sepsis, hypoalbuminemia, along with an active smoking status and ASA ≥3. In NHPI patients, dependent functional status, CHF, renal failure, preoperative transfusion, open wounds, and sepsis were of higher incidence and significantly contributed to postoperative complication.

Surgical outcome disparities exist particularly in AIAN patients. Identification of modifiable patient risk factors may benefit perioperative care for AIAN and NHPI patients, which are historically understudied racial groups.