Presentation and Outcomes of Otolaryngologic Surgeries in Patients With Mental Illness History.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Describe the epidemiology and characteristics of patients with a history of mental illness undergoing otolaryngologic procedures. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis utilizing the Nationwide Readmissions Database, 2010 to 2015. The study sample included adult (≥18 years) patients undergoing otolaryngologic procedures. RESULTS: A total of 146 182 patients were included, 18.3% with mental illness history. The prevalence of patients who required otolaryngologic surgeries with history of mental illness increased significantly from 14.9% in 2010 to 25.0% in 2015 (P < .001). Mental illness diagnoses included depression (6.9%), anxiety (5.8%), alcohol dependence (4.2%), substance dependence (2.9%), bipolar disorder (1.4%), memory disorders (1.2%), delusional disorders (0.6%), self-harm (0.1%). Patients with a history of mental illness were more likely to be <65 years, female, and have multiple comorbidities (P < .05 each). Patients with history of mental illness had a higher risk of complications [OR1.59, 95% CI1.50,1.69, P < .001]. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a history of mental illness are increasingly encountered in otolaryngology service. This study provides an epidemiological perspective that warrants increasing clinical investigation of this subpopulation.