Weekend Admissions Associated with Increased Length of Stay for Children Undergoing Cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Prior research shows an association between increased length of stay (LOS) and weekend surgical admissions, but none have looked at this relationship in children undergoing nonelective cholecystectomy for benign noncongenital biliary disease. We investigated whether weekend admissions lead to a longer LOS in this patient population. METHODS: The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database was queried for children ≤ 17 years undergoing cholecystectomy in New York State between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2012. Parametric and nonparametric statistical testing was used for univariate analysis; multivariable binary logistic regression and linear regression models were used for multivariable analysis. Statistical significance was < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 1066 pediatric patients underwent nonelective cholecystectomy for gallstone pancreatitis (9.7%) and other benign biliary noncongenital diseases (90.3%), of which 22.1% of all patients were admitted over the weekend. Most cases (97.2%) were treated laparoscopically with an overall 3-day median LOS. Weekend admission was associated with an increased LOS of 4 days as opposed to 3 days during the weekday (p < 0.001). On a multivariable binary logistic regression model controlling for hospital factors, indication for surgery, and comorbidities, weekend admission was associated with 1.92 odds of increased length of stay (adjusted odds ratio of 1.924, 95% confidence interval: 1.386–2.673). CONCLUSION: Weekend admissions were associated with increased LOS and charges for children requiring nonelective cholecystectomy, despite the wide use of laparoscopic surgery.