Differences in outcomes after emergency general surgery between Hispanic subgroups in the New Jersey State Inpatient Database (2009–2014): The Hispanic population is not monolithic

Background Our aim was to examine differences in clinical outcomes between Hispanic subgroups who underwent emergency general surgery (EGS). Methods Retrospective cohort study of the HCUP State Inpatient Database from New Jersey (2009–2014), including Hispanic and non-Hispanic White (NHW) adult patients who underwent EGS. Multivariable analyses were performed on outcomes including 7-day readmission and length of stay (LOS). Results 125,874 patients underwent EGS operations. 22,971 were Hispanic (15,488 with subgroup defined: 7,331 - Central/South American; 4,254 - Puerto Rican; 3,170 - Mexican; 733 – Cuban). On multivariable analysis, patients in the Central/South American subgroup were more likely to be readmitted compared to the Mexican subgroup (OR 2.02; p < 0.001, respectively). Puerto Rican and Central/South American subgroups had significantly shorter LOS than Mexican patients (Puerto Rico −0.58 days; p < 0.001; Central/South American −0.30 days; p = 0.016). Conclusions There are significant differences in EGS outcomes between Hispanic subgroups. These differences could be missed when data are aggregated at Hispanic ethnicity.