Unplanned Return to Hospital After Same Day Oral Cavity Resection: A Dual Institution Study

OBJECTIVES

Primary objective: describe rates of 30-days unplanned readmission following outpatient resection of oral cavity cancer. Secondary objective: evaluate for patient and treatment factors associated with readmission.

METHODS

Retrospective, dual-institution cohort study of 2 tertiary care referral centers involving adult patients undergoing resection of oral cavity cancer with plans for same-day discharge. Consecutive sample of 77 patients included. Primary outcome was unplanned readmission to emergency room or inpatient stay in the 30 days following surgery. Comparison testing was used between return and non-return groups.

RESULTS

Among 77 patients treated with outpatient surgery for oral cavity cancer, 19 (25%) returned to the hospital within 30 days. Among the reasons for return, 16 (80%) were directly related to surgery, and 4 (20%) were related to perioperative medical complications not directly related to a surgical site. Among the 25 patients also undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy with their oral cavity resection, none returned to the hospital for neck-related complications. While most patients could be safely observed and discharged after return to the hospital, 8 patients (10%) required inpatient readmission. No significant differences between return and non-return groups were identified, although there was a trend toward shorter driving distance from hospital for the return group (47.6 miles vs. 69.5 miles, P = 0.097).

CONCLUSION

Unplanned return to the hospital following outpatient oral cavity resection is prevalent and primarily driven by postoperative primary resection site concerns. Among patients selected for same day discharge, no definite population at highest risk of unplanned return was identified.

National Trends in 30-Day Readmission Following Transoral Robotic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Importance

As the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) continues to rise in the US, an increasing number of patients are being treated with transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Readmission following surgery can potentially delay initiation of adjuvant treatment and affect survival outcomes.

Objective

To identify risk factors for 30-day postoperative readmission in patients undergoing TORS for OPSCC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective, population-based cohort study used data from the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2017. All patients undergoing TORS for OPSCC were identified using International Classification of Diseases codes and included. Exclusion criteria were age younger than 18 years or incomplete information regarding index admission or readmission. The analysis was performed from April to October 2023.

Exposure

TORS for OPSCC.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with 30-day readmission. Covariates included demographics and medical comorbidities, socioeconomic factors, hospital characteristics, and surgical details. Trends in readmission over time, reasons for readmission, and characteristics of the readmission were also examined.

Results

A weighted total of 5544 patients (mean [SD] age, 60.7 [0.25] years; 4475 [80.7%] male) underwent TORS for OPSCC. The overall readmission rate was 17.5% (n = 971), and these rates decreased over the study period (50 of 211 patients [23.7%] in 2010 vs 58 of 633 patients [9.1%] in 2017). Risk factors associated with readmission included male sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.54; 95% CI, 1.07-2.20) and a diagnosis of congestive heart failure (AOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.28-4.58). Factors associated with decreased rate of readmission included undergoing concurrent selective neck dissection (AOR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.22-0.41). Among the 971 readmissions, the most common readmission diagnoses were bleeding (151 [15.6%]), electrolyte and digestive problems (44 [4.5%]), pneumonia (44 [4.5%]), and sepsis (26 [2.7%]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, readmission rates following TORS for oropharynx cancer decreased over time; however, a subset of patients required readmission most commonly related to bleeding, infection, and electrolyte imbalance. Concurrent neck dissection may be protective against readmission. Elucidation of risk factors for readmission after TORS for OPSCC offers opportunities for evidence-based shared decision-making, quality improvement initiatives, and improved patient counseling.

A nationwide analysis of salvage surgery for laryngeal cancer in the elderly

BACKGROUND

We aim to describe outcomes of elderly patients undergoing salvage surgery for laryngeal cancer and to characterize the interplay of age with various other factors in this growing population.

METHODS

Using the National Cancer Database, we identified cases of salvage laryngectomy in patients who failed chemoradiation. An age cutoff of 70 years was used to separate subjects into two groups. Various factors were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 825 patients included, 166 (20.1%) were elderly. Elderly patients had worse overall survival (p = 0.001), higher 30-day and 90-day mortality (p = 0.006, p < 0.001), and a longer length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.015). LOS over 1 week was associated with worse survival (p = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

Elderly patients had worse overall perioperative survival than their younger counterparts. LOS and 30-day readmissions were associated with higher risk of mortality in this group. We provide a contemporary set of relevant information for head and neck cancer providers to consider in this growing population.

Hypothyroidism as an Independent Predictor of 30-day Readmission in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

OBJECTIVES

To define the role of hypothyroidism and other risk factors for unplanned readmissions after surgery for head and neck cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) was used to identify patients who underwent surgery for mucosal head and neck cancer (oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx) between 2010 and 2017. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to determine patient, tumor, and hospital related risk factors for 30-day readmission. Readmitted patients were stratified by preoperative diagnosis of hypothyroidism to compare readmission characteristics.

RESULTS

For the 131,013 patients who met inclusion criteria, the readmission rate was 15.9%. Overall, 11.91% of patients had a preoperative diagnosis of hypothyroidism. After controlling for other variables, patients with a preoperative diagnosis of hypothyroidism had 12.2% higher odds of readmission compared to those without hypothyroidism (OR: 1.12, 1.03-1.22, p = 0.008). Patients with hypothyroidism had different reasons for readmission, including higher rates of wound dehiscence, fistula, infection, and electrolyte imbalance. Among readmitted patients, the length of stay for index admission (mean 10.5 days vs. 9.2 days, p < 0.001), readmission (mean 7.0 vs. 6.6 days, p = 0.05), and total hospital charge were higher for hypothyroid patients ($137,742 vs. $119,831, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Hypothyroidism is an independent risk factor for 30-day readmission following head and neck cancer resection. Furthermore, hypothyroid patients are more likely to be readmitted for wound complications, infection, and electrolyte imbalance. Targeted interventions should be considered for hypothyroid patients to decrease readmission rates and associated patient morbidity, potentially leading to earlier initiation of adjuvant treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 133:2988-2998, 2023.

Outcomes After Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Salvage Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Investigate outcomes following oral cavity and oropharyngeal salvage surgery.

METHODS

Adult patients who underwent salvage surgery for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx from 1996 to 2018 were analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. Disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), associated factors, and basic quality measures were analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred and eight patients (72% oral cavity, 28% oropharynx) were followed for a median of 17.9 months. Median DFS and OS were 9.9 and 21 months, respectively. Surgery with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy compared to surgery alone (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03-0.78) and negative margins (HR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14-0.90) were associated with better DFS, while lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) (HR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.14-6.19) and higher stage (III vs. I-II, HR = 3.94, 95% CI: 1.22-12.71) were associated with worse DFS. Higher stage was associated with worse OS (HR = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.09-13.19). Patients were hospitalized for a median of 8 days with 24% readmitted within 30 days. A total of 72% and 38% of patients, respectively, underwent placement of a feeding tube or tracheostomy.

CONCLUSIONS

After oral cavity and oropharyngeal salvage surgery, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, negative margins, negative LVSI, and lower stage were associated with a lower risk of recurrence. Only lower-stage disease was associated with improved survival. The majority of patients had feeding tubes, half underwent free tissue transfer, a third required tracheostomy, and a quarter was readmitted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2022.

A closer look at 30 day hospital readmissions after head and neck cancer surgery

PURPOSE

30-day hospital readmissions after head and neck cancer surgery continue to be a significant source of patient harm and healthcare expenditure. While there is substantial data in the literature assessing predictive factors for readmissions after head and neck cancer surgery, there are a paucity of studies which attempt to understand if such readmissions are preventable. The goal of this paper is to determine factors associated with 30-day hospital readmissions after head and neck cancer surgery and to understand if these readmissions were preventable.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review from a single academic tertiary care center. Patients readmitted within 30 days after undergoing surgery for cancers of the head and neck between 2015 and 2018 were identified.

RESULTS

Over a 3-year period, 26 patients undergoing resection with or without reconstruction of head and neck cancers were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. There were 15 (58%) men and 11 (42%) women with a mean age of 68 years (SD 14 years). Twenty-one (81%) patients had squamous cell carcinoma and 13 (50%) had a primary site in the oral cavity. Thirteen (50%) had undergone free or regional flap reconstruction. The indication for readmission was related to the surgical wound in 19 (73%) and to medical complications in 7 (27%). Each case was categorized as "possibly preventable" versus "uncertain if preventable" based on whether a reasonable and feasible change in management may have prevented readmission. Six (23%) readmissions were deemed possibly preventable. Four were related to the surgical wound where initial free or regional flaps may have prevented complication. Two were medical complications that may have benefited from longer inpatient observation.

CONCLUSIONS

For a subset of patients readmitted within 30 days of head and neck cancer surgery, a reasonable and feasible change in management may have prevented their hospital readmission. The significance of better understanding this patient population is underscored by the high mortality rate.

Prediction of Speech, Swallowing, and Quality of Life in Oral Cavity Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To investigate the impact of specific treatment-related variables on functional and quality of life outcomes in oral cavity cancer (OCC) patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective Cohort.

METHODS

Patients with primary OCC at least 6 months after resection and adjuvant therapy were included. Patients completed surveys including the Speech Handicap Index (SHI), M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck (FACT-HN). Performance Status Scale (PSS) and tongue mobility scale were completed to allow provider-rated assessment of speech and tongue mobility, respectively. Additional details regarding treatment were also collected. These data were used to generate a predictive model using linear regression.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients with oral tongue and/or floor of mouth (FOM) resection were included in our study. In multivariable analysis, greater postoperative tongue range of motion (ROM) and time since treatment improved SHI. Flap reconstruction and greater postoperative tongue ROM increased MDADI and PSS (eating and speech). A larger volume of resected tissue was inversely correlated with PSS (diet and speech). Tumor site was an important predictor of PSS (all sections). There were no statistically significant predictors of FACT-HN.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pilot study, we propose a battery of tools to assess function in OCC patients treated with surgery. Using the battery of tools we propose, our results show that a surgical endpoint that preserves tongue mobility and employs flap reconstruction resulted in better outcomes, whereas those with greater volume of tissue resected and FOM involvement resulted in poorer outcomes. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate our findings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Healthcare-associated infections among patients hospitalized for cancers of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx

Introduction

The negative consequences of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) on the burden of illness (BOI) of cancer patients are well-established. However, there is a paucity of research on HAI among cancers of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx (CLOCP), and whether HAI-related BOI differed for other common solid tumors–malignant neoplasm of the colon (MNC) and malignant neoplasm of the lung (MNL).

Methods

We utilized the United States' National Inpatient Sample database 2017 to study longitudinal inpatient hospital stay of CLOCP, MNC and MNL. Patient demographics and hospital characteristics of patients were assessed, and the impact of HAI-related BOI compared based on differences in length of hospital stays (LOS), total charges during hospitalization and mortality were compared.

Findings

In 2017, of the 54,934 patients with CLOCP, 1.2% had HAI, compared to MNC (n=64,470) with 2% HAI and MNL (n=154,685) with 1.2% HAI. In adjusted multivariable regression analysis, we determined CLOCP patients with HAI had LOS of 5.6 days longer (95% CIs, 3.0–8.2 days, P < 0.001), and hospitalization charges of $40,341 higher (95%CIs 15,715–64,967, P < 0.01) than the non-HAI CLOCP patients. Mortality was not significantly different among HAI and non-HAI CLOCP patients (odds ratio: 0.80; 95%CIs 0.35–1.87, P = 0.6). In unadjusted analysis, LOS and total charges were higher for CLOCP-HAI patients vs. MNC-HAI or MNL-HAI patients.

Conclusion

HAI in patients with CLOCP patients were associated with an increased BOI, and this is considerably higher than observed in patients with MNC or MNL patients who had HAI.

Predictors of surgical readmission, unplanned hospitalization and emergency department use in head and neck oncology: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors of unplanned hospitalization and emergency department (ED) use among head and neck oncology patients.

METHODS

Peer reviewed publications were identified through a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL. Studies describing a cohort of HNC patients that detailed predictors of unplanned hospitalization or ED use in risk-adjusted models were eligible for inclusion. The methodologic quality of included studies was assessed using the Quality In Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool and an adapted version of the GRADE framework.

RESULTS

Of the 932 articles identified, 39 studies met our inclusion criteria with 31/39 describing predictors of surgical readmission and 10/39 describing predictors of ED use or unplanned hospitalization during radiation/chemoradiation treatment. Risk factors were classified into either 'patient-related', 'cancer severity' or 'process' factors. In the subset of studies looking at readmission following surgery wound complications (10/14 studies), presence of comorbidity (16/28 studies), low socioeconomic status (8/17 studies), cancer stage (9/14 studies), and prolonged hospital stay (7/18 studies) were the variables most frequently associated with readmission on multivariable analysis. Presence of comorbidity (6/10) and chemotherapy use (4/10) were more frequently associated with ED use and unplanned hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Several consistent predictors have been identified across a variety of studies. This work is a critical first step towards the development of readmission and ED prediction models. It also enables meaningful comparison of hospital readmission rates with risk adjustment in HNC patients.

Patient and Provider Perspectives on 30-Day Readmissions, Preventability, and Strategies for Improving Transitions of Care for Patients with HIV at a Safety Net Hospital

Thirty-day hospital readmissions, a key quality metric, are common among people living with HIV. We assessed perceived causes of 30-day readmissions, factors associated with preventability, and strategies to reduce preventable readmissions and improve continuity of care for HIV-positive individuals. Patient, provider, and staff perspectives toward 30-day readmissions were evaluated in semistructured interviews (n = 86) conducted in triads (HIV-positive patient, medical provider, and case manager) recruited from an inpatient safety net hospital. Iterative analysis included both deductive and inductive themes. Key findings include the following: (1) The 30-day metric should be adjusted for safety net institutions and patients with AIDS; (2) Participants disagreed about preventability, especially regarding patient-level factors; (3) Various stakeholders proposed readmission reduction strategies that spanned the inpatient to outpatient care continuum. Based on these diverse perspectives, we outline multiple interventions, from teach-back patient education to postdischarge home visits, which could substantially decrease hospital readmissions in this underserved population.