The geriatric 8 score as a predictor of postoperative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing esophagectomy

The Geriatric 8 (G8) screening tool is widely used to assess frailty in elderly patients with cancer. However, its significance in patients undergoing esophagectomy remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between preoperative G8 scores and postoperative outcomes in elderly patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

This study retrospectively analyzed 130 patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. The patients were classified into tertiles (low, medium, and high) based on their G8 scores. Postoperative and survival outcomes were compared, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between G8 scores and postoperative outcomes.

The median G8 score was 13 (interquartile range (IQR): 11.5-15). Postoperatively, severe complications occurred in 23.8%, reoperation in 6.9%, and readmission in 12.3% of patients. The median length of hospital stay was 17 days (IQR: 14-25 days). Patients with lower G8 scores had significantly higher rates of severe complications, reoperation, prolonged hospitalization, and readmission (all P < 0.05). G8 score showed a significant inverse association with severe complications (adjusted odds ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.88, P < 0.001). Patients with lower G8 scores were significantly less likely to receive systemic chemotherapy after disease recurrence (P = 0.017) and their overall survival was unfavorable (P = 0.046).

Lower preoperative G8 scores were associated with higher rates of severe complications, reoperation, prolonged hospitalization, and readmission. The G8 screening tool helps to predict postoperative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.