Post-operative outcomes in older patients: a single-centre observational study

Improved life-expectancies have seen increased rates of older patients undergoing surgery worldwide. These patients are at increased risk of post-operative complications. Australian evidence is limited regarding the association between age and post-operative outcomes, especially rapid response calls (RRCs) as indicators of adverse outcomes. The aim was to compare the post-operative outcomes of older patients (≥80 years) to younger patients. Specifically, 30-day in-hospital mortality; unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admission; and RRC activation within 72 h post-operatively.

Single-centre retrospective observational study conducted over 12 months in a metropolitan Australian hospital. All adult patients (≥16 years) undergoing surgical procedures were included, excluding cardiac and obstetric/gynaecological surgeries. Patient co-morbidities were quantified using Charlson co-morbidity index (CCI) and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification.

Seven thousand four hundred and seventy-nine patients met inclusion criteria, 14.5% (n = 1086) aged ≥80 years. Most procedures (65%) were elective; and general surgical procedures were most common (24.2%). Compared to younger patients, older patients had significantly higher 30-day mortality (2.3% versus 0.2%; P < 0.001), increased post-operative RRC rates (7.3% versus 1.2%; P < 0.001), and unplanned ICU admissions (3.2% versus 1.6%; P < 0.001). Increasing age was associated with increased risk of post-operative RRC, unplanned ICU admission, and in-hospital mortality (all P < 0.01), with associations remaining significant after controlling for surgery type and CCI.

Older patients are at increased risk of adverse post-operative outcomes, including post-operative RRC, unplanned ICU admission, and mortality, especially if they underwent emergency procedures. This has implications for preoperative risk stratification and post-operative management. Incidence of post-operative RRCs may be an important indicator of post-operative care.