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How do patients aged 85 and older fare with abdominal surgery?
Naseem Mirbagheri1, Jonathan G Dark, David A K Watters
1Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences (Surgery), Barwon Health, University of Melbourne, Geelong Hospital, Geelong, Australia. Naseem.mirbagheri@svhm.org.au
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|February 4, 2010
Summary
Older patients (85+) undergoing abdominal surgery face significant risks, with a 17.3% mortality rate. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and prior living situation are key predictors, not just age.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Surgery
- Surgical Outcomes Research
- Patient Risk Stratification
Background:
- Abdominal surgery in the elderly population (85 years and older) presents unique challenges.
- Understanding outcomes like mortality, morbidity, and changes in living status is crucial for this demographic.
- Identifying predictive factors can improve perioperative care and decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of patients aged 85 and older following abdominal surgery.
- To analyze factors that predict mortality, morbidity, and changes in residential status in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective clinical cohort study.
- Involved 179 patients aged 85+ who underwent abdominal surgery between 1998 and 2008.
- Data collected on mortality, complications, and residential status changes.
Main Results:
- The study group had a mean age of 88.6 years, with a 17.3% mortality rate and 62.8% morbidity rate.
- American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and premorbid residential status were significant predictors of mortality.
- ASA score and emergency surgery status predicted complication severity; ASA score and complication severity predicted changes in residential status.
Conclusions:
- Abdominal surgery in patients 85 and older is associated with a 17.3% mortality rate.
- American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and premorbid residential status are more critical risk indicators than chronological age for this population.
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