Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Discharge Status of Patients with Uncomplicated Transsphenoidal Adenohypophysectomy

Objectives  The number of transsphenoidal adenohypophysectomies (TSAs) surgeries has grown significantly since 1993. While there has been an overall decreasing trend in length of stay (LOS), socioeconomic factors may impact hospitalization. This study explores the impact of socioeconomic factors on LOS and total charges in uncomplicated patients undergoing TSA. Design  Retrospective cohort. Setting  2009 to 2013 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Participants  Patients undergoing TSA without medical complications. Main Outcomes Measures  LOS and total charges. Results  A total of 6,457 patients were identified, of which 17.2% had secreting tumors. Patients with secreting tumors stayed 2.95 days versus those with nonsecreting tumors stayed 3.26 days ( p Conclusions  These results demonstrate that, even without complications, patients can be delayed in their discharge. While several socioeconomic factors significantly predict LOS and charges, the discharge disposition ultimately has the greatest effect. This suggests that efforts should focus on improving organizational factors such as coordination with social work and outside facilities to decrease LOS and charges for this patient population.