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Factors affecting the mortality risk in elderly patients undergoing surgery
Ersin Ozturk1, Tuncay Yilmazlar
1Department of General Surgery, Uludag University School of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey. drozturk@uludag.edu.tr
ANZ Journal of Surgery
|February 20, 2007
Summary
Elderly surgical patients face higher mortality risks. Organ system site, especially colorectal and upper gastrointestinal, significantly impacts outcomes, alongside American Society for Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores and emergency surgery status.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Surgery
- Surgical Outcomes Research
Background:
- Mortality factors in elderly surgical patients are complex and vary.
- Patient-related factors, particularly diseased organ systems, require further investigation for their impact on mortality risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of patient-related factors, specifically the site of the diseased organ system, on mortality risk in elderly surgical patients.
- To identify key predictors of mortality in patients aged 70 and over undergoing surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective examination of 942 operated patients aged 70 years and older.
- Analysis of factors including age, sex, organ system site, admission type, disease nature, American Society for Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, diagnosis, surgical method, and comorbidities.
- Logistic regression analysis to determine significant associations with mortality.
Main Results:
- The overall mortality rate was 11.8%, with cardiogenic shock as the leading cause.
- A strong linear correlation was observed between American Society for Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and mortality.
- Higher ASA scores (≥3), emergency operations, and diseases of the colorectal and upper gastrointestinal systems were significantly associated with increased mortality.
Conclusions:
- The site of the diseased organ system, in conjunction with the American Society for Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and type of admission, can serve as a valuable indicator of mortality risk in elderly surgical patients.
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