Background

This analysis seeks to detect racial disparities in pediatric bariatric surgery that would result in an increased cost burden.

Methods

This study used data of adolescent patients from the MBSAQIP database for the years 2018 - 2022 (n = 2378). Cost-increasing factors and BMI closest to the date of surgery were compared among racial groups.

Results

The average days to discharge from hospital admission was highest for Asians and lowest for African Americans. Using statistical pairwise comparisons, the significantly different distributions included White vs Asian and Some Other Race vs Asian.The average BMI closest to surgery was highest for African Americans and lowest for American Indian/Alaska Native. Significant comparisons included American Indian/Alaska Native vs African American and White vs African American.Linear regression found that presurgical BMI closest to surgery was negatively correlated with days to discharge date from hospital admission (R2 = 0.012, standardized coefficient = -0.108). Using the same method, a higher number of post-operative visits to the emergency department was found to be associated with higher presurgical BMI (R2 = 0.004, standardized coefficient = 0.063).The average postoperative visits to the emergency department was highest for African Americans and lowest for Asians and Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander. Significant pairings included White vs African American and African American vs Some Other Race.

Conclusions

There are observed racial differences among groups. Higher preoperative BMI is associated with increased ED visits but decreased inpatient length. Higher preoperative BMI may be a factor increasing burden on families.