Inability to manage non-severe complications on an outpatient basis increases non-white patient readmission rates after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A large metropolitan tertiary care center experience

Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has a high rate of readmission, and racial disparities in care could be an important contributor. Methods: Patients undergoing PD were prospectively followed, and their complications graded using the Modified Accordion Grading System (MAGS). Patient factors and perioperative outcomes for patients with and without postoperative readmission were compared in univariate and multivariate analysis by severity. Results: 837 patients underwent PD, the overall 90-day readmission rate was 27.5%. Non-white race was independently associated with readmission (OR 1.83, p = 0.007). 51.3% of readmissions were for non-severe complications (MAGS <3). Non-white race was independently associated with MAGS non-severe readmission (OR 2.13, p = 0.006), but not MAGS severe readmission. Conclusions: Non-white patients are more likely to be readmitted, particularly for non-severe complications. Follow up protocols should be tailored to address race disparities in the rates of readmission as readmission for less severe complications could potentially be avoidable. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Automated summary

This study found that non-white patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy are more likely to experience readmission, particularly for non-severe complications. Therefore, follow-up protocols should be tailored to address race disparities in readmission rates.