Impact of Bleeding-Related Complications on Hospital Costs in Surgical Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Michael E. Stokes, Xin Ye, Manan Shah, Katie Mercaldi, Matthew W. Reynolds, Marcia FT Rupnow, Jeffrey Hammond
Primary Institution: United BioSource Corporation
Hypothesis
This study examines the incidence and costs of bleeding-related complications and/or blood product transfusions occurring as a consequence of surgery in various inpatient surgical cohorts.
Conclusion
The study found that bleeding-related complications and/or transfusions significantly increase hospital length of stay and costs.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with bleeding-related complications had an average hospital stay of 10.4 days compared to 4.4 days for those without.
- The average cost for patients with bleeding complications was significantly higher across all surgical cohorts.
- Blood product transfusions occurred in approximately 21.2% of patients.
- Patients with bleeding complications were on average 8.9 years older than those without.
- Statistically significant differences were observed in primary payer status between groups.
Takeaway
When patients have bleeding problems during surgery, they stay in the hospital longer and it costs more money.
Methodology
A retrospective analysis using Premier's Perspective™ hospital database to compare hospital costs and length of stay between surgeries with and without bleeding-related complications.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification bias due to inclusion of patients with conditions unrelated to the surgical procedure.
Limitations
The study may have misclassified some patients due to reliance on administrative coding for bleeding events and transfusions.
Participant Demographics
Patients of all ages undergoing various surgical procedures, with a higher percentage of older adults and males experiencing complications.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website