Rates and timing of short-term complications following operative treatment of tibial shaft fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Tibial shaft fractures are a relatively common injury in orthopaedic surgery, with management options including intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with plate osteosynthesis. Using a large national database, we sought to compare the prevalence and timing of short-term complications following either IMN or ORIF for tibial shaft fractures. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was used to identify patients undergoing IMN or ORIF for the treatment of tibial shaft fracture between 2012 and 2018. Multivariate Poisson hurdle regression models were utilized to determine predictors of postoperative complications as well as the timing of postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 4963 tibial shaft fracture were identified, with 3601 patients undergoing IMN (72.6%) and 1362 undergoing ORIF (27.4%). Patients undergoing IMN had a lower mean age of 48.8 compared with 53.9 for plate osteosynthesis (P < .001). IMN patients were also more likely to be male (53.5%) compared with ORIF patients (44.2%, P < .001). In multivariate analysis, ORIF patients were significantly more likely to experience surgical site complications, including dehiscence, superficial, and deep infections (OR 2.04, P = .003). There was no difference in probability of VTE between constructs; however, patients who underwent ORIF were diagnosed with VTE earlier than those who underwent IMN (relative rate 0.50, P < .001). There was no difference between ORIF and IMN with regard to probability or timing of subsequent blood transfusion, major complications, or return to the operating room. Many patient factors, such as higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score, congestive heart failure, and hypertension, were independently associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative complications within 30 days are common after the surgical treatment of tibial shaft fractures. The risk of developing specific complications and the timing of these complications vary depending on numerous factors, including potentially modifiable risk factors such as the method of fixation or operative time, as well as nonmodifiable risk factors such as medical comorbidities.

30-day Readmission After Pancreatic Resection: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify and compare common reasons and risk factors for 30-day readmission after pancreatic resection. BACKGROUND: Hospital readmission after pancreatic resection is common and costly. Many studies have evaluated this problem and numerous discrepancies exist regarding the primary reasons and risk factors for readmission. METHODS: Multiple electronic databases were searched from 2002 to 2016, and 15 relevant articles identified. Overall readmission rate was calculated from individual study estimates using a random-effects model. Study data were combined and overall estimates of odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each risk factor. Multivariable data were qualitatively synthesized. RESULTS: The overall 30-day readmission rate was 19.1% (95% CI 17.4-20.7) across all studies. Infectious complications and gastrointestinal disorders, such as failure to thrive and delayed gastric emptying, together accounted for 58.9% of all readmissions. Demographic factors did not predict readmission. Heart disease (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.12-1.67), hypertension (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.09-1.91), and intraoperative blood transfusion (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.15-1.83) were weak predictors of readmission, while any postoperative complications (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.55-3.18) or severe complications (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.65-4.89) were stronger predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Readmission after pancreatic resection is common and can largely be attributed to infectious complications and inability to maintain adequate hydration and nutrition. Focus on outpatient resources and follow-up to address these issues will prove valuable in reducing readmissions.