Analysis of Sociodemographic Factors Affecting Ambulatory Surgical Center Discharge Patterns for Endometrial Cancer Hysterectomies

Study objective: Investigate outcomes for patients undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomies (MIHs) performed for endometrial cancer at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs).

Design: Our study aimed to explore the feasibility and discharge outcomes for MIHs for endometrial cancer in an ASC setting by using same-day discharge data.

Setting: The prevalence of MIH for endometrial cancer between 2016 and 2019 was estimated from the Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample.

Patients: Patients who underwent MIHs for endometrial cancer at an ASC were included.

Interventions: N/A MEASUREMENTS MAIN RESULTS: Weighted estimates of prevalence and association between discharge status and sociodemographic factors were explored. Same-day discharge was defined as discharge on the day of surgery, and delayed discharge was defined as discharge after the day of surgery. An estimated 95 041 MIHs for endometrial cancer were performed at ASCs between 2016 and 2019. Notably, 91.9% (n = 87 372) resulted in same-day discharge, 1.2% (n = 1121) had delayed discharge, and 6.9% (n = 6548) had missing discharge information; 78.7% procedures (n = 68 812) were performed at public hospitals. The proportion of delayed discharges were lower in private, not-for profit ASCs (0.8%, p = .03) than public hospitals. Patients who had delayed discharges on average were older (69.7 vs 62.4 years, p <.001), more likely to have comorbid conditions including diabetes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-1.75) and overweight or obese body mass indices (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.39), and more likely to have public insurance (aOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.40-2.25).

Conclusion: MIHs for endometrial cancer are feasible in an ASC. Optimal candidates for receipt of MIHs for endometrial cancer at an ASC are patients who are younger and have less comorbidities, lower body mass index, and private insurance.