Incidence and risk factors for postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction occurrence after gastrointestinal procedures in US patients

Background: Incidence of, and potential risk factors for, postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (POGD) after gastrointestinal procedures performed in US hospitals were examined.

Methods: This retrospective study used hospital discharge data of inpatients who underwent ≥1 gastrointestinal procedures from 1-Jan-2016 to 30-Apr-2019. POGD incidence was calculated based on all hospitalizations for MDC-06 procedures. Predictors of POGD were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results: POGD incidence was 5.8% among 638 611 inpatient hospitalizations. Major bowel procedures, peritoneal adhesiolysis, and appendectomy were the most notable predictors of POGD among gastrointestinal procedures assessed (adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 2.71 [2.59-2.83], 2.48 [2.34-2.64], and 2.15 [2.03-2.27], respectively; all p < 0.05). Procedures performed by colorectal/gastroenterology specialists (0.86 [0.84-0.89]), and those performed percutaneously (0.55 [0.54-0.56]) were associated with significantly lower odds of POGD (both P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Findings may help clinicians tailor management plans targeting patients at high-risk of POGD.