Incidence and Factors Associated With Hospital Readmission After Pulmonary Lobectomy

Readmission after lung resection is associated with increased costs and is used as a benchmark for quality.  Outcomes of more than 22,000 lobectomies were evaluated for factors associated with readmission.  30- and 90-day readmission rates were 11.5% and 19.8%.  Causes for readmission were pulmonary (24%), cardiovascular (16%), and surgical/procedural-related complications (15%).  Preop characteristics associated with readmission were male gender and Medicaid payer status.  Surgical approach and specific postoperative complications were not associated with readmission.