Outcomes for Ladd's procedure: Does approach matter?

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Ladd's procedure has been proven safe and effective for the treatment of malrotation. However, the nationwide utilization and outcomes of elective Ladd's procedure are largely unknown.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2014 was used to identify patients 0-18 years (excluding newborns) with malrotation who underwent elective Ladd's procedure. Demographics, hospital factors, and outcomes were compared by approach (laparoscopic vs. open) using standard statistical tests and propensity score (PS) matched analysis. Results were weighted for national estimates.

RESULTS

1343 patients (44% male) underwent elective Ladd's procedure via laparoscopic (22%) or open (78%) approach. Laparoscopic approach was more common in large hospitals (26% vs. 16%), patients >13 years (30% vs. 20%), and those with higher income (29% vs. 16%), all p < 0.001. Following PS matching, compared to the laparoscopic approach, open Ladd's was associated with index hospital length of stay > 7 days (20% vs. 8%), more post-operative gastrointestinal dysfunction (12% vs. < 1%), and more nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (16% vs. 6%), all p < 0.001. The overall readmission rates within 30 days and the year of index operation were 8% and 15%, respectively. In the matched cohort, those undergoing laparoscopic Ladd's were less likely to be readmitted than those with the open approach (7% vs. 16%, p < 0.001) and experienced less gastrointestinal issues on readmission (5% vs. 15%, p = 0.002). There were similar rates of post-operative small bowel obstruction (< 3% vs. < 3%, p = 0.840) and volvulus (0% vs. < 1%, p = 0.136). Redo Ladd's procedure was performed in less than 4% of readmissions and all occurred within 5 days of initial hospital discharge.

CONCLUSION

The majority of Ladd's procedures in the U.S. are being performed open, despite comparable outcomes following a laparoscopic approach. Readmission rates are similar with either approach, and the rate of redo Ladd's procedure is lower than previously reported.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.