The current situation and associated factors of preoperative frailty in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery

This study aimed to investigate the current preoperative frailty status of elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery and identify its associated factors. The objective of this study was to provide clinicians with valuable insights for implementing frailty intervention strategies.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 375 elderly patients who underwent abdominal surgery at a tertiary hospital in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, between October 2021 and August 2022. The data were collected using various instruments, including a general information questionnaire, the FRAIL frailty assessment scale, the West China Mood Index, the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, and the Barthel Index. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the factors influencing preoperative frailty in this patient population.

Among the 375 elderly patients who underwent abdominal surgery, 59 were identified as having preoperative frailty, resulting in a preoperative frailty rate of 15.7%. Multivariate analysis revealed that multiple chronic diseases, malnutrition risk, and limited ability to perform daily life activities were significant associated factors for preoperative frailty in these patients (P < 0.05).

Clinical medical staff should prioritize the preoperative frailty assessment of elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery, particularly those with multiple chronic diseases, malnutrition risk, and limited daily life activities.