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Postoperative Complications Among Frail Older ICU Patients: A Scoping Review
Denise Schindele1,2, Tilmann Mueller-Wolff3,4, John McDonough5
1Doctoral Student, Paracelsus Medical University, Institute of Nursing Science and Practice, Center for Public Health and Health Services Research, Salzburg, Austria.
Clinical Nurse Specialist CNS
|April 10, 2026
Summary
Postoperative complications in frail older adults are inconsistently reported. More standardized data collection is needed for this vulnerable intensive care population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Surgical Critical Care
- Evidence Synthesis
Background:
- Frail older adults (≥65 years) are a vulnerable population undergoing surgery.
- Postoperative complications in this group can significantly impact outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the types and incidences of postoperative complications in frail adults (≥65 years) during intensive care.
- To identify gaps in the current literature regarding complication reporting.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology.
- Searched Medline, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library for studies on postoperative frail patients (≥65 years).
- Included observational studies using validated frailty assessments; data charted by two reviewers.
Main Results:
- Eight observational studies were included from 1345 titles.
- Heterogeneous reporting of complications such as acute kidney injury, atrial fibrillation, pneumonia, delirium, and infections.
- Mortality and length of stay data were common but inconsistently defined.
Conclusions:
- Limited and inconsistent evidence exists on postoperative complications in frail older adults requiring intensive care.
- Standardized definitions and systematic reporting are crucial for this population.
- Improved data will support evidence-based care planning for vulnerable surgical patients.
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