Modified Frailty Index Predicts Postoperative Complications following Panniculectomy in the Elderly

Due to the high complication rate of panniculectomies, preoperative risk stratification is imperative. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of the 5-item modified frailty index (mFI-5) for postoperative complications in the elderly following panniculectomy.

A retrospective cohort study of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for patients over the age of 65 years who underwent a panniculectomy between 2010 and 2015 was conducted. The mFI-5 score was calculated for each patient based on the presence of diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and dependent functional status, and an mFI-5 score of 2 was used as a cutoff. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis was used to determine the validity of the mFI-5 as a predictor of postoperative complications.

A total of 575 patients were analyzed. Patients with an mFI-5 score of 2 or more (421; 73.2%) had significantly higher rates of wound complications (19.5% versus 12.8%; P = 0.03), overall complications (33.8% versus 19.5%; P < 0.001), and significantly longer hospital length of stay (3.6±5.0 versus 1.9±3.0; P < 0.001). mFI-5 score of 2 or more was an independent risk factor for wound complications (odds ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-2.20; P = 0.04) and overall complications (odds ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-2.15; P = 0.02).

Frailty, as measured by the mFI-5, holds a predictive value regarding outcomes of wound complications and overall complications in elderly patients after panniculectomy. The mFI-5 score can be used to identify high-risk patients before surgery.