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

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% CI1.07-1.17) 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.