Patient selection: colorectal resection
Risk factors for a prolonged length of stay:
(1) emergency admission
(2) older age (age >= 60 years, greater if >= 70)
(3) 2 or more comorbid conditions
(4) unmarried status (possibly reflecting lack of social support)
Factors associated with shorter length of stay:
(1) private patient
(2) hospital performing high number of colorectal resections (>= 60 resections per year)
Other factors that may increase LOS (not analyzed):
(1) complications
(2) open procedure versus laparoscopic surgery
Increase in length of stay is associated with:
(1) not being discharged home
(2) higher readmission rate
