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Updated: May 8, 2026
06:57
Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects
Published on: February 12, 2021
[Cardiorespiratory exercise tolerance tests: a preoperative surgical risks assessment in elderly patients]
Anesteziologiia I Reanimatologiia
|September 5, 2013
Summary
Cardiorespiratory exercise testing (KAREN-test) in elderly patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery demonstrated excellent tolerance and safety. This assessment is crucial for determining surgical eligibility in older adults, showing age alone is not a contraindication.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Cardiology
- Surgical Oncology
Context:
- Elderly patients face increased risks during non-cardiac surgery.
- Cardiovascular complications are a significant concern, with reported mortality rates and postoperative cardiac event incidences.
- Risk assessment is vital for optimizing surgical outcomes in this demographic.
Purpose:
- To prospectively assess the safety and efficacy of cardiorespiratory exercise testing (KAREN-test) in high-risk elderly patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
- To evaluate the cardiorespiratory fitness and tolerance of elderly patients with colon cancer using the KAREN-test.
- To determine if KAREN-test results can guide surgical decision-making and treatment tactics.
Summary:
- Seventeen elderly patients (58-94 years) with colon cancer and comorbidities underwent KAREN-tests. All patients tolerated the test, achieving average peak oxygen consumption at 94% of maximum and exceeding 11 mI/min/kg at aerobic threshold.
- Fourteen patients proceeded to surgery, with 11 undergoing radical intervention. No perioperative myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular events occurred, resulting in a 0% hospital mortality rate.
- The KAREN-test proved effective in assessing cardiorespiratory reserve and tolerance in this complex patient group.
Impact:
- Actual age is not an absolute contraindication for surgery in elderly patients.
- KAREN-testing should be integrated as a key component in the preoperative risk assessment and treatment planning for elderly surgical candidates.
- This approach can potentially improve surgical safety and outcomes for older adults with significant comorbidities.
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