Large Tumor Volume as a Key Predictor of 30-Day Readmission After Spinal Chondrosarcoma Resection: Insights from the National Cancer Database.

Introduction: Spinal chondrosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor originating in cartilage, often requiring complex surgical resection due to its resistance to chemotherapy and radiation. This study aimed to identify predictors of 30-day readmission following surgical resection of spinal chondrosarcoma using data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis using the NCDB to evaluate adult patients diagnosed with spinal or sacral chondrosarcoma between 2004 and 2017 who underwent surgical resection. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment details were collected. Patients were grouped based on whether they experienced readmission within 30 days post-surgery. Univariate analyses and binary logistic regression were conducted to identify the risk factors associated with 30-day readmission.

Results: A total of 1,971 patients were included in this study, with 114 (5.8%) experiencing 30-day readmission. Their mean (SD) age was 54.08±16.76, and 60.4% were men. About two-thirds (69.3%) of patients who required 30-readmission were men compared to 59.3% among those who did not need 30 readmissions (p=0.045). The proportion of patients with large tumor volume (>5.0 cm3) was higher among the patients with 30-day readmission (71.1%) compared to the other group (55.5%) (p=0.016). The mean length of hospital stay was longer among the 30-day readmission group (12.6±11.5) than the non-readmission group (9.85±12.38) (p=0.025). Age, race, Deyo-Charleson Comorbidity Index, tumor histology, tumor location, and extent of resection did not show a significant association with 30-day readmission in this cohort. Logistic regression showed that large tumor volume (OR 2.25; 95%CI 1.010-5.022; p=0.047) was the only predictor for 30-day readmission.

Conclusion : Larger tumor volume is a significant predictor of 30-day readmission following spinal chondrosarcoma resection. Future studies are needed to explore additional factors influencing readmission and to develop targeted strategies for reducing postoperative complications.