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[Emergency surgery in elderly: experience gained in 198 cases over 80]
G Tugnoli1, M Casali, S Villani
1Unità Operativa di Chirurgia d'Urgenza e del Trauma, Ospedale Maggiore di Bologna. gregorio.tugnoli@ausl.bologna.it
Annali Italiani Di Chirurgia
|March 10, 2005
Summary
Emergency surgery for elderly patients (aged 80+) carries significant risks and costs. This study highlights high postoperative mortality and the need for extensive hospital resources and rehabilitation facilities.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Elderly patients present unique challenges in emergency surgical settings.
- Evaluating outcomes in this demographic is crucial for optimizing care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the 2-year experience with emergency surgical treatment in patients aged 80 and above.
- To analyze the risks, resource utilization, and outcomes associated with emergency surgery in the very elderly.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 198 patients aged 80+ admitted to an Emergency Surgery Unit.
- Data collected included preexisting conditions, ASA scores, surgical procedures, and length of stay.
Main Results:
- The mean age of patients was 84.8 years, with 152 females and 73 males.
- Postoperative mortality was 17.1%, with a mean length of stay of 9.7 days.
- 93 patients required discharge to a rehabilitation facility.
Conclusions:
- Emergency surgery in patients aged 80 and older is associated with high risks.
- The procedures incur substantial hospital resource costs and necessitate significant post-discharge rehabilitation.
- Careful patient selection and resource planning are essential for this patient group.