AB046. SOH24AB_122. Key risk factors and reasons for all-cause readmission following bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: In tandem with the rising popularity of bariatric surgery, its corresponding readmission rate has been increasingly gaining value as a quality benchmark for performance evaluation. Therefore, our study aims to shed light on the risk factors and reasons for readmission after bariatric surgery.

Methods: Medline and Embase were systematically searched through November 2022 for studies reporting the risk factors and causes of readmission. A pairwise meta-analysis with odd ratios was used to estimate the risk factors for readmission using the generalized linear mixed model. A single-arm meta-analysis of proportions was used to determine the reasons for readmissions.

Results: A total of 1,794,884 patients from 17 studies were included, of whom 88,513 (4.9%) were readmitted. Compared to White race/ethnicity, Black race/ethnicity [odds ratio (OR): 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36–1.63, P<0.0001] was associated with significantly higher readmission risks. Patients who had adjustable gastric banding (OR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.30–0.60, P=0.0004) and sleeve gastrectomy (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.56–0.82, P=0.0009) performed had lower odds of readmission than those who had gastric bypass performed. A body mass index of 50 kg/m² and above was correlated with readmission, compared to a body mass index of less than 40 kg/m². In relation to comorbidities, readmission was significantly associated with hypertension, diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea. The most common causes of hospitalizations were infections (10.48%), followed by leaks (10.42%), and abdominal pain (9.81%).

Conclusions: This review identified numerous risk factors and reasons leading to readmission. Better recognition of key risk factors and causes could improve decision-making for targeted preventive measures.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; meta-analysis; systematic-review; readmission; risk factors