Efficacy of the Modified 5-Item Frailty Index in Predicting Surgical-Site Infections in Patients Undergoing Breast

Abstract

Insights

The modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5) significantly predicts surgical-site infections after breast augmentation. Identifying frail patients preoperatively can improve postoperative care and reduce complication risks.

Area of Science:

  • Plastic Surgery
  • Surgical Outcomes Research
  • Geriatric Surgery

Background:

  • Predicting complications after breast implant augmentation is crucial for patient management.
  • Frailty, measured by the modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5), is an emerging risk factor for adverse surgical outcomes.
  • The study investigates the predictive value of mFI-5 for 30-day complications in breast augmentation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if the mFI-5 can predict the likelihood and severity of 30-day postoperative complications following breast augmentation.
  • To assess the association between frailty and specific complication types, such as surgical-site infections (SSIs).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2015-2019).
  • Included patients who underwent breast implant augmentation without concurrent procedures.
  • Compared mFI-5, age, BMI, comorbidities, ASA class, and smoking status as predictors of 30-day complications using regression analyses.

Main Results:

  • 2,478 patients were analyzed; 53 (2.14%) experienced complications.
  • mFI-5 significantly predicted surgical-site infections (SSI) (OR=4.24, P=.026).
  • Frail patients had a higher incidence of SSIs (P=.049). ASA class also predicted SSI (OR=5.77, P=.027).

Conclusions:

  • The modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5) is a significant predictor of SSIs in breast augmentation.
  • Preoperative identification of frail patients allows for enhanced postoperative support to minimize complication risks.
  • Frailty assessment can improve patient selection and management strategies for breast augmentation procedures.