Impact of preoperative scores on postoperative process in bronchiectasis surgery

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between bronchiectasis criteria, scores, and indices used today and surgical interventions due to bronchiectasis.

Between January 2009 and December 2018, a total of 106 patients (53 males, 53 females; mean age: 39.1±12.3 years; range, 14 to 68 years) with non-cystic fibrous bronchiectasis were retrospectively analyzed. We determined symptom improvement and complications as main factors. We divided the patients into two main groups: those who had symptom improvement after pulmonary resection (Group 1, n=89) and those who did not (Group 2, n=17). We further analyzed patients who had postoperative complications (n=27) with those who did not (n=79). The following scores and criteria were used in this study: modified Reiff score, Gudbjerg criteria, Naidich criteria, Bronchiectasis Severity Index, and FACED scoring.

There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the modified Reiff scores and FACED scores. As the modified Reiff score increased, there was a higher rate of symptom relief (p=0.04). Contrary to this, an increase in the FACED score predicted a poorer postoperative outcome (p=0.03). Considering complications, a significant difference was observed in the Gudjberg criteria, and higher grade suggested a higher risk of complication (p=0.02).

The grading and scoring systems related to bronchiectasis may have some predictive value in terms of surgical outcomes. A high modified Reiff score and a low FACED score can predict postoperative success, whereas Gudbjerg criteria can indicate postoperative complications.