Racial disparity in causes for readmission following bariatric surgery

ABSTRACT Background Readmission after bariatric surgery is not cost-effective and is a preventable quality metric within standardized practices. However, reasons for readmission among racial/ethnic bariatric cohorts are less explored and understood. Objective Our study objective was to compare reasons for readmission among racial/ethnic cohorts of bariatric patients. Setting Academic Hospital Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of the 2015 to 2018 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Project (MBSAQIP) databases to identify Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) cases. Regression analyses determined predictors of all-cause and bariatric-related readmissions. Reasons for readmission were compared between racial/ethnic cohorts using propensity score matching. Stata/MP 16.1 was used for analysis. Results Over 550,000 RYGB and SG cases were analyzed. The readmission rate was 3-4%. Black race, RYGB, robotic-assisted approach, and numerous comorbidities were independently associated with readmission (p Conclusion Readmission reasons after bariatric surgery vary by race/ethnicity. Perioperative pathways to mitigate complications, including readmissions, should consider these disparate findings.