The prevalence of unruptured cerebral aneurysms (UCA) is estimated to be between 2 and 5% of the general population [1]. Although UCAs can often be asymptomatic, aneurysm rupture can result in severe neurological sequelae and mortality [2]. Given UCAs carry a relatively low annual rupture risk of 0.5% to 1.8% [3], depending on factors such as localization and comorbidities, approximately half of procedures are performed electively [4]. While these procedures are generally well-standardized, postoperative complications may necessitate early hospital readmission [5].

Readmission after discharge represents a major source of healthcare burden [6]. Prior analyses estimate the average cost of a neurosurgical readmission exceeds $45,000 USD per hospitalization, with some cases nearing $90,000 USD [7,8]. In the US alone, hospital costs for 3.3 million readmissions in 2011 were estimated to be approximately $41 billion [9]. In response, programs such as Medicare’s Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program have driven hospitals to lower readmission rates through financial penalties for excess readmissions [10].

Identifying factors that contribute to early readmission is therefore of clinical and economic importance. However, the literature surrounding 30-day readmission rates in patients treated for UCAs varies significantly, with prevalence rates ranging from 5 to 11% [5,11,12]. Although several patient characteristics have been associated with early readmission, findings remain heterogeneous and sometimes conflicting, likely due to small sample sizes and inconsistent reporting of outcomes.

This meta-analysis aims to synthesize the current evidence to identify the most significant factors associated with 30-day unplanned readmission among patients undergoing elective aneurysm treatment. By clarifying these predictors, we aim to support more effective patient risk stratification to improve patient outcomes and healthcare resource utilization.