Predictors of Infectious Complications Following Emergency Colectomy: A Nationwide Analysis

Area of Science:

• Surgical outcomes research
• Infectious disease epidemiology
• Patient safety in surgery

Background:

• Infectious complications are a major cause of death and disability after emergency colectomy.
• Identifying risk factors for these infections is crucial for improving patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify predictors of post-operative infectious complications following emergency colectomy.
• To inform perioperative decision-making and reduce infection rates.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the 2013-2017 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.
• Inclusion of patients aged 18 years and older undergoing emergency colectomy.
• Multivariable logistic regression to assess pre-operative and operative factors influencing infection risk.

Main Results:

• Over 42% of 40,913 patients experienced infectious complications.
• Predictors included high BMI, COPD, bleeding disorders, ascites, smoking, poor functional status, high ASA score, elevated BUN, and low albumin.
• Dirty wound class and open, delayed, or prolonged procedures also increased infection risk.

Conclusions:

• Several pre-operative and operative factors significantly predict infectious complications after emergency colectomy.
• These findings can guide strategies to mitigate infection risk and improve surgical outcomes.