Dependent functional status is a risk factor for complications after surgery for diverticulitis coli

Am J Surg. 2022 Oct;224(4):1074-1080. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.06.010. Epub 2022 Jun 22.

Abstract

Background: Functional dependence (FD) is associated with poor postoperative outcomes. We investigated the influence of FD on the postoperative outcomes of colectomy.

Methods: The 2012-2020 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried for patients who had undergone colectomy for diverticulitis. The patients were analyzed based on FD or functionally independent (FI) status.

Results: Of the 62,409 patients 991 (1.6%) were FD. Compared to FI patients, those with FD were older (mean age, 72.7 vs. 59.1 years, p < 0.001), with higher comorbidities and more unplanned open procedures (79.7% vs. 38.0%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for American Society of Anesthesia status, age, and comorbidities, the FD patients were 1.12 times (95% CI:1.07-1.17) more likely to have postoperative morbidity and 1.53 times (95% CI: 1.2-1.82) more likely to have 30-day mortality.

Conclusions: Dependent functional status is an independent risk factor for complications after surgery for diverticulitis.

Keywords: Colectomy; Diverticulitis; Functional dependence; Hartmann's procedure.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Colectomy / methods
  • Diverticulitis* / surgery
  • Diverticulitis, Colonic* / complications
  • Functional Status
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome