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

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% CI:1.07-1.17) 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.