‘Post hospital syndrome,’ risk for readmission in ambulatory surgery patients

Editor's Note

A condition known as “post hospital syndrome” (PHS) is a significant risk factor for readmissions in patients who undergo elective ambulatory surgery, this study finds.

Post hospital syndrome (PHS) is defined as having been hospitalized within 90 days before surgery.

During hospitalization, patients are often sleep deprived and in pain. They receive medications that can alter their mental and physical abilities. They become deconditioned (loss of muscle mass, reduced cardiac output, etc) and may not get sufficient nutrition. These problems can impair their recovery from surgery.

The study found that among patients with PHS, 7.6% had to be readmitted within 30 days of surgery, compared with 1.6% of non-PHS patients.

Surgeons must consider all recent admissions when risk-stratifying patients for ambulatory surgery, the researchers say.

Add to Favorites Contact Information Available for logged-in reporters only Citations Western Surgical Association Newswise - MAYWOOD, Ill. - A condition known as "post hospital syndrome" (PHS) is a significant risk factor for patients who undergo elective outpatient surgery, a Loyola study has found. PHS is defined as having been hospitalized during the previous 90 days.