Researchers in Ethiopia studied 394 surgery patients to find out what makes some people stay in the hospital longer after their operations. They found that patients typically stayed about 6 days, but some stayed much longer. The main reasons for longer stays were having other health problems, getting infections, losing weight, changes in eating habits, and trouble doing normal activities. This research helps doctors understand how to better prepare patients for surgery and help them recover faster, which could save money and reduce complications.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How long surgery patients stay in the hospital and what factors make them stay longer
  • Who participated: 394 adults who had surgery at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, tracked for 4 months
  • Key finding: Most patients stayed 6 days, but those with other health problems, infections, or poor nutrition stayed much longer
  • What it means for you: If you’re having surgery, being in good health beforehand and avoiding infections afterward may help you go home sooner

The Research Details

This was a prospective cohort study, which means researchers followed patients from the time of their surgery until they left the hospital. They tracked 394 surgical patients at public hospitals in Ethiopia’s capital city over four months in 2023. The researchers used special statistical methods called Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models to analyze how long patients stayed and what factors influenced their length of stay.

This type of study design is valuable because it follows patients in real-time rather than looking back at old records. This gives a more accurate picture of what actually happens during recovery and helps identify the true causes of longer hospital stays.

The study included a good number of patients (394) and used appropriate statistical methods. However, it was conducted at just one location in Ethiopia, so the results may not apply to all hospitals or countries with different healthcare systems and patient populations.

What the Results Show

The typical hospital stay was 6 days, with most patients staying between 5-6 days. However, several factors significantly increased the likelihood of longer stays. Patients with other health conditions (called comorbidities) were over 3 times more likely to stay longer. Those who developed infections during their hospital stay were also about 3 times more likely to have extended stays. Weight loss before or after surgery increased the chances of a longer stay by 62%, while changes in eating patterns increased it by 52%. Patients who had trouble with normal daily activities (reduced functional capacity) were 53% more likely to stay longer.

The study found that these factors often work together - patients with multiple risk factors had the longest stays. Nutritional problems appeared to be particularly important, as both weight loss and changes in eating habits were linked to longer recovery times.

This study confirms what other research has shown about the importance of patient health status before surgery. However, it provides new insights specific to resource-limited healthcare settings like those found in many developing countries.

The study was conducted at only one location in Ethiopia, so results may not apply to other countries or healthcare systems. The researchers didn’t track patients after they left the hospital, so we don’t know about longer-term outcomes. Some factors that might influence hospital stay weren’t measured.

The Bottom Line

If you’re planning surgery, focus on being as healthy as possible beforehand - maintain good nutrition, manage any existing health conditions, and stay physically active within your abilities. After surgery, follow infection prevention guidelines carefully and work with your healthcare team to address any eating or mobility challenges quickly.

Anyone planning surgery should pay attention to these findings, especially those with existing health conditions, poor nutrition, or limited physical function. Healthcare providers can use this information to better prepare patients and plan care.

The benefits of good pre-surgery preparation may be seen immediately in shorter hospital stays and faster recovery, though individual results will vary based on the type of surgery and personal health factors.

Want to Apply This Research?

Use the Gram app to:

  • Track your weight, daily physical activity level, and any symptoms of infection (fever, unusual pain, wound changes) before and after surgery
  • Use the app to monitor your nutrition intake and ensure you’re eating enough protein and calories to support healing, especially if you’re losing weight
  • Create a pre-surgery health optimization plan tracking weight, physical function, and management of existing health conditions for 4-6 weeks before your procedure

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your medical care or treatment plan, especially regarding surgery preparation and recovery.