Metabolic Syndrome Exponentially Increases the Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Operative Diverticulitis

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is defined as the cluster: hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Operative diverticulitis in the setting of MS can be challenging to manage. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of MS on outcomes in operative acute diverticulitis patients. Methods: We analyzed the (2012-2015) NSQIP database. We identified acute diverticulitis patients who underwent surgery. MS was defined as follows: body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m², hypertension, and diabetes. Our primary outcome measure was the occurrence of any adverse events (complications, 30-d readmission, and mortality). Secondary outcome measures were complications, hospital length of stay, 30-d readmission, and mortality. Regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed. Results: A total of 4572 patients were identified. Mean BMI was 29 ± 10 kg/m². 14.6% (275) of obese patients had metabolic syndrome. Adverse events were higher in patients with MS (odds ratio [OR], 8.1; P < 0.001) versus the obese group and the obese and hypertensive group. Patients with MS had higher odds of reintubation (OR 1.9; P = 0.03), >48 h ventilator dependence (OR 3.5; P = 0.01), myocardial infarction (OR 2.3; P = 0.03), and superficial or deep surgical-site infections (OR 2.1; P = 0.01) compared with patients with no MS. MS patients had a longer length of stay (β = 1.23; P = 0.02), higher 30-d readmissions (OR 1.7; P < 0.01), and mortality (OR 2.1; P < 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of metabolic syndrome for predicting adverse outcomes was 0.797, which was higher than the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for BMI (0.58), hypertension (0.51), or diabetes (0.64) alone. Conclusions: Adverse events in patients with MS after surgery for diverticulitis are higher than obesity, hypertension, or diabetes alone. Patients with MS have longer recovery, and higher rates of complications, readmissions, and mortality. Level of Evidence: Level III Prognostic.