Factors affecting mortality and morbidity in emergency abdominal surgery in geriatric patients

The purpose of the present study was to determine the factors affecting morbidity and mortality in geriatric patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Ninety-two patients who had undergone acute abdominal surgery at >65 years of age were evaluated in terms of surgical indications, morbidity and mortality rates and the factors affecting morbidity and mortality. Forty-eight patients (52.2%) were males and 44 (47.8%) were females. The mean age was 73.32±6.37 (65-92) years.

The most common surgical indication was acute cholecystitis (26.09%). Morbidity was established as 21 (22.82%) and mortality as 14 (15.21%), and the most common cause of mortality was mesenteric vascular occlusion. American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) IV was noted in 90.05% of the patients admitted to intensive care, and 92.85% of the patients had mortal progression. The mean hospitalization duration was 7.94±7.13 days (median, 7 days). While older age and high ASA scores were significantly correlated with morbidity, mortality and duration of hospitalization, gender was not (p>0.05).

In order to decrease the postoperative mortality rate in geriatric patients, precaution should be taken beforehand to avoid surgical complications. By carrying out elective surgery in geriatric patients, the likelihood of common causes of acute abdomen, such as acute cholecystitis and incarcerated hernia, can be reduced.