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Operative intervention rates for acute diverticulitis: a multicentre state‐wide study
Author(s) -
Hong Michael K.Y.,
Tomlin Andrew M.,
Hayes Ian P.,
Skandarajah Anita R.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/ans.13126
Subject(s) - medicine , diverticulitis , referral , intervention (counseling) , emergency department , emergency medicine , metropolitan area , psychological intervention , general surgery , medical emergency , family medicine , nursing , pathology
Background Acute colonic diverticulitis is placing an increasing strain on our health care resources. Measurement of the problem is difficult at a regional level, yet essential to improve and optimize treatment of this condition. Therefore, we aimed to use Australian state‐level administrative data to determine the current practice and outcomes in major metropolitan hospitals. Methods Coding algorithms designed to increase the yield and accuracy of administrative data were used to find emergency admissions from the V ictorian A dmitted E pisodes D ataset. Eight tertiary referral centres with specialist colorectal services from 2009 to 2013 were studied. Key metrics including the operative intervention rate were measured. Results There were 2829 emergency admissions for acute diverticulitis across 4 years in eight hospitals, with 724 being complicated. The emergency operative intervention rate was 10.4%, with a third of admissions for complicated diverticulitis having an operation. Hartmann's procedure was the most commonly performed emergency operation, accounting for 72% of resections. Patient characteristics were consistent across the hospitals, including a median length of stay of 3 and 6 days for uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis, respectively. Conclusion Hartmann's procedure is currently the most common emergency operation for acute complicated diverticulitis in Victorian metropolitan hospitals. Our practice and outcomes can be measured meaningfully using administrative data.