Predictors of in-hospital mortality and complications in very elderly patients undergoing emergency surgery

Conclusions: Mortality, complication rates and post-discharge care requirements were high in very elderly patients undergoing emergency general surgery. Advanced age and medical comorbidities alone should not be the limiting factors for surgical referral or treatment. This study illustrates the importance of preventing an in-hospital complication in this very vulnerable population. ASA class is a robust tool which is predictive of mortality in the very elderly population and can be used to guide patient and family counseling in the emergency setting.
Source: World Journal of Emergency Surgery - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Source Type: research