Screening for predictors of adverse outcome in onco-geriatric surgical patients: A multicenter prospective cohort study

Patient-reported outcomes after oncologic hepatic resection predict the risk of delayed readiness to return to intended oncologic therapy (RIOT)

BACKGROUND

Optimal surgical recovery is critical to readiness to return to intended oncologic therapy (RIOT). The current study defined the value of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in predicting the risk for delayed RIOT after oncologic hepatic resection.

METHODS

In a prospective longitudinal study, perioperative symptoms were assessed using a valid PRO assessment tool, the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory module for hepatectomy perioperative care (MDASI-PeriOp-Hep), for 4 weeks after surgery. The timed up and go test (TUGT) was administered before surgery, by discharge day, and at the first postoperative follow-up visit. Multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed the predictive value of PROs for delayed RIOT.

RESULTS

We enrolled 210 patients and analyzed 148 patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy and contributed more than 3 PRO assessments postoperatively. About 36 percent of the patients had delayed RIOT (>5 weeks, range 1-14 weeks). MDASI scores for drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, and interference with general activity, walking, and work on day 7 after discharge and MDASI scores for incisional tightness, fatigue, dry mouth, shortness of breath, and interference with work on day 14 after discharge were associated with delayed RIOT (all P < 0.05). Walking and general activity items on the MDASI-Interference subscale on day 7 after discharge were highly correlated with prolonged TUGT scores at discharge (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

We defined clinically meaningful PROs on MDASI-PeriOp-Hep after hepatic resection that predicted increased risk of delayed RIOT. These findings highlight the importance PROs for monitoring symptoms and functioning 1-2 weeks after discharge to be implementing into perioperative care.

Self-reported exhaustion and a 4-item physical frailty index to predict the incidence of major complications after onco-geriatric surgery

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyze four pre-operative physical frailty indicators from a geriatric assessment (GA) independently and combined in a physical frailty index, in their ability to predict postoperative 30 d-complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this secondary analysis of data from the published PERATECS study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01278537), the predictive value of four physical frailty indicators from a defined GA battery was examined with univariable and multivariate logistic regression models in a sample of 493 onco-geriatric surgical patients. The primary endpoint was incidence of major (Clavien-Dindo ≥ grade 2 [CD ≥ 2]) complications within 30 postoperative days. Predictors of the first model included self-reported exhaustion (SRE), body mass index (BMI), Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) and handgrip strength (HGS) independently, and a second model combined these four items as a Physical Frailty Index (4i-PFI). Both regression models were adjusted for age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status, tumor sites, duration of surgery time and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score.

RESULTS

A total of 233 patients (47 %) developed CD ≥ 2 complications. In addition to ASA score, length of surgery, and gynecological and upper gastrointestinal tumor sites, the first model showed that SRE (OR 1.866) predicted CD ≥ 2 complications, but not TUG, BMI and HGS. In the second model, the 4i-PFI predicted CD ≥ 2 complications (OR pre-frail = 1.808, frail = 3.787).

CONCLUSIONS

Physical frailty indicators as SRE revealed a better ability to predict CD ≥ 2 complications than BMI, TUG and HGS. However, prediction of CD ≥ 2 complications was enhanced when these parameters were combined in a novel 4i-PFI.

Predicting Functional Recovery and Quality of Life in Older Patients Undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Real-World Data From the International GOSAFE Study

PURPOSE

The GOSAFE study evaluates risk factors for failing to achieve good quality of life (QoL) and functional recovery (FR) in older patients undergoing surgery for colon and rectal cancer.

METHODS

Patients age 70 years and older undergoing major elective colorectal surgery were prospectively enrolled. Frailty assessment was performed and outcomes, including QoL (EQ-5D-3L) recorded (3/6 months postoperatively). Postoperative FR was defined as a combination of Activity of Daily Living ≥5 + Timed Up & Go test <20 seconds + MiniCog >2.

RESULTS

Prospective complete data were available for 625/646 consecutive patients (96.9%; 435 colon and 190 rectal cancer), 52.6% men, and median age was 79.0 years (IQR, 74.6-82.9 years). Surgery was minimally invasive in 73% of patients (321/435 colon; 135/190 rectum). At 3-6 months, 68.9%-70.3% patients experienced equal/better QoL (72.8%-72.9% colon, 60.1%-63.9% rectal cancer). At logistic regression analysis, preoperative Flemish Triage Risk Screening Tool ≥2 (3-month odds ratio [OR], 1.68; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.73; P = .034, 6-month OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.75; P = .027) and postoperative complications (3-month OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.20 to 3.42; P = .008, 6-month OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.15 to 5.68; P = .02) are associated with decreased QoL after colectomy. Eastern Collaborative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≥2 is a strong predictor of postoperative QoL decline in the rectal cancer subgroup (OR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.45 to 9.92; P = .006). FR was reported by 254/323 (78.6%) patients with colon and 94/133 (70.6%) with rectal cancer. Charlson Age Comorbidity Index ≥7 (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.26 to 5.32; P = .009), ECOG ≥2 (OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.36 to 7.20; P = .007 colon; OR, 4.61; 95% CI, 1.45 to 14.63; P = .009 rectal surgery), severe complications (OR, 17.33; 95% CI, 7.30 to 40.8; P < .001), fTRST ≥2 (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.40 to 5.25; P = .003), and palliative surgery (OR, 4.11; 95% CI, 1.29 to 13.07; P = .017) are risk factors for not achieving FR.

CONCLUSION

The majority of older patients experience good QoL and stay independent after colorectal cancer surgery. Predictors for failing to achieve these essential outcomes are now defined to guide patients' and families' preoperative counseling.

The 5-Factor Modified Frailty Index is effective in treatment decision and the determination of perioperative complications in patients with localized prostate cancer

PURPOSE

To determine the active treatment option and perioperative complications using the 5-Factor Modified Frailty Index (mFI-5) in localized prostate cancer patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer in our clinic between January 2018 and October 2022 were evaluated. The patients were separated according to the mFI-5 scores as Group 1 (score = 0, n = 74), Group 2 (score = 1, n = 41), and Group 3 (score ≥ 2, n = 69). Factors affecting the determination of treatment selection, oncological results, and surgical complications were identified with regression analysis.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients in Group 1 was lower than in Group 2 and Group 3 (63.09 ± 7.25 years vs. 67.56 ± 7.98 years and 69.2 ± 6.77 years, p < 0.001, respectively). In Group 1, more patients were treated with retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP), and in Group 3 with radiotherapy (RT) and active surveillance (AS) (62.2%, 53.6%, and 17.4%, p = 0.001, respectively). The rate of Clavien-Dindo grade 3 and 4 complication rates were higher in Group 3 than in Group 1 (50% vs. 8.7%, p < 0.001, respectively). Frailty was found to be an independent risk factor for overall survival (HR: 10.68, p = 0.02), the presence of Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3 complication (HR: 4.9, p = 0.02) and determination of RT/AS as the active treatment option (HR: 2.45, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

In patients with frailty according to the mFI-5, the complication rate after RRP in localized prostate cancer increased. When selecting the treatment to be applied in these patients, it will be useful to also evaluate the frailty status.

Incidence of preoperative instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) dependence and adverse outcomes in older surgical patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are essential to patient function and quality of life after surgery. In older surgical patients, the incidence of preoperative IADL dependence has not been well characterized in the literature. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled incidence of preoperative IADL dependence and the associated adverse outcomes in the older surgical population.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

SETTING

MEDLINE, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print and In-Process, In-Data-Review & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Embase/Embase Classic, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ClinicalTrials.Gov, the WHO ICTRP (International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) were searched for relevant articles from 1969 to April 2022.

PATIENTS

Patients aged ≥60 years old undergoing surgery with preoperative IADL assessed by the Lawton IADL Scale.

INTERVENTIONS

Preoperative assessment.

MEASUREMENT

The primary outcome was the pooled incidence of preoperative IADL dependency. Additional outcomes included post-operative mortality, postoperative delirium [POD], functional status improvement, and discharge disposition.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-one studies (n = 5690) were included. In non-cardiac surgeries, the pooled incidence of preoperative IADL dependence was 37% (95% CI: 26.0%, 48.0%) among 2909 patients. Within cardiac surgeries, the pooled incidence of preoperative IADL dependence was 53% (95% CI: 24.0%, 82.0%) among 1074 patients. Preoperative IADL dependence was associated with an increased risk of postoperative delirium than those without IADL dependence (44.9% vs 24.4, OR 2.26; 95% CI: 1.42, 3.59; I2: 0%; P = 0.0005).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high incidence of IADL dependence in older surgical patients undergoing non-cardiac and cardiac surgery. Preoperative IADL dependence was associated with a two-fold risk of postoperative delirium. Further work is needed to determine the feasibility of using the IADL scale preoperatively as a predictive tool for postoperative adverse outcomes.

Assessing and managing frailty in emergency laparotomy: a WSES position paper

Many countries are facing an aging population. As people live longer, surgeons face the prospect of operating on increasingly older patients. Traditional teaching is that with older age, these patients face an increased risk of mortality and morbidity, even to a level deemed too prohibitive for surgery. However, this is not always true. An active 90-year-old patient can be much fitter than an overweight, sedentary 65-year-old patient with comorbidities. Recent literature shows that frailty-an age-related cumulative decline in multiple physiological systems, is therefore a better predictor of mortality and morbidity than chronological age alone. Despite recognition of frailty as an important tool in identifying vulnerable surgical patients, many surgeons still shun objective tools. The aim of this position paper was to perform a review of the existing literature and to provide recommendations on emergency laparotomy and in frail patients. This position paper was reviewed by an international expert panel composed of 37 experts who were asked to critically revise the manuscript and position statements. The position paper was conducted according to the WSES methodology. We shall present the derived statements upon which a consensus was reached, specifying the quality of the supporting evidence and suggesting future research directions.

Frailty Assessment and Prehabilitation as Part of a PeRioperative Evaluation and Planning (PREP) Program for Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery

Frailty assessment and prehabilitation can be incrementally implemented in a multidisciplinary, multiphase pathway to improve patient care. To start, modifications can be made to a surgeon's practice with existing resources while adapting standard pathways for frail patients. Frailty screening can identify patients in need of additional assessment and optimization. Personalized utilization of frailty data for optimization through prehabilitation can improve postoperative outcomes and identify patients who would benefit from adapted care. Additional utilization of the multidisciplinary team can lead to improved outcomes and a strong business case to add additional members of the team.

[COSA 80: Oncologic surgery in the elderly patients]

INTRODUCTION

Due to longer life expectancy, an increasing number of older people are at risk of developing cancer. Surgical resection of a non-metastatic and resectable digestive tumor remains the main therapeutic weapon. The objective of our study is to assess the possibility of curative oncological surgery in patients over 80years of age, to study its impact in terms of morbidity and mortality, and to look for risk factors for the occurrence of complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study-included patients aged 80 and over operated on for digestive cancer in a curative situation. This was a multicenter prospective cohort study. A total of 230 patients were included in the study. In addition to demographic and medical data, the patients all benefited from an onco-geriatric assessment with the performance of various tests: WHO score, G8 score, IADL score, ADL score, mobility score, nutritional assessment, clock, thymic evaluation (Mini-GDS). Data collection of geriatric scores was repeated 3months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Of a total of 230 patients, 51% were male and 49% female. The average age was 84.7years. Tumor localization was mainly colorectal (65.81%). Age had no influence on the mortality rate, with a mean age with no significant difference in the event of an unfavorable outcome or not (84.6 vs. 85years). The results at the different scores were then analyzed in search of a significant difference between preoperative and at 3months. The only significant difference found was in the number of patients with a WHO status of 0 (P=0.021).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that curative oncological surgery is possible in elderly patients without any adverse effect on their quality of life and level of postoperative autonomy. The multidisciplinary geriatric approach to the patient must make it possible to distinguish the patients who will benefit from a curative treatment and those in whom the benefit-risk balance is unfavorable.

Timed up and go test and long-term survival in older adults after oncologic surgery

BACKGROUND

Physical performance tests are a reflection of health in older adults. The Timed Up and Go test is an easy-to-administer tool measuring physical performance. In older adults undergoing oncologic surgery, an impaired TUG has been associated with higher rates of postoperative complications and increased short term mortality. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between physical performance and long term outcomes.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥65 years undergoing surgery for solid tumors in three prospective cohort studies, 'PICNIC', 'PICNIC B-HAPPY' and 'PREOP', were included. The TUG was administered 2 weeks before surgery, a score of ≥12 seconds was considered to be impaired. Primary endpoint was 5-year survival, secondary endpoint was 30-day major complications. Survival proportions were estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Cox- and logistic regression analysis were used for survival and complications respectively. Hazard ratios (aHRs) and Odds ratios (aOR) were adjusted for literature-based and clinically relevant variables, and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using multivariable models.

RESULTS

In total, 528 patients were included into analysis. Mean age was 75 years (SD 5.98), in 123 (23.3%) patients, the TUG was impaired. Five-year survival proportions were 0.56 and 0.49 for patients with normal TUG and impaired TUG respectively. An impaired TUG was an independent predictor of increased 5-year mortality (aHR 1.43, 95% CI 1.02-2.02). The TUG was not a significant predictor of 30-day major complications (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 0.70-3.06).

CONCLUSIONS

An impaired TUG is associated with increased 5-year mortality in older adults undergoing surgery for solid tumors. It requires further investigation whether an impaired TUG can be reversed and thus improve long-term outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The PICNIC studies are registered in the Dutch Clinical Trial database at www.trialregister.nl: NL4219 (2010-07-22) and NL4441 (2014-06-01). The PREOP study was registered with the Dutch trial registry at www.trialregister.nl: NL1497 (2008-11-28) and in the United Kingdom register (Research Ethics Committee reference 10/H1008/59).  https://www.hra.nhs.uk/planning-and-improving-research/application-summaries/research-summaries/?page=15&query=preop&date_from=&date_to=&research_type=&rec_opinion=&relevance=true .

Quality of Life in Older Adults After Major Cancer Surgery: The GOSAFE International Study

BACKGROUND

Accurate quality of life (QoL) data and functional results after cancer surgery are lacking for older patients. The international, multicenter Geriatric Oncology Surgical Assessment and Functional rEcovery after Surgery (GOSAFE) Study compares QoL before and after surgery and identifies predictors of decline in QoL.

METHODS

GOSAFE prospectively collected data before and after major elective cancer surgery on older adults (≥70 years). Frailty assessment was performed and postoperative outcomes recorded (30, 90, and 180 days postoperatively) together with QoL data by means of the three-level version of the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), including 2 components: an index (range = 0-1) generated by 5 domains (mobility, self-care, ability to perform the usual activities, pain or discomfort, anxiety or depression) and a visual analog scale.

RESULTS

Data from 26 centers were collected (February 2017-March 2019). Complete data were available for 942/1005 consecutive patients (94.0%): 492 male (52.2%), median age 78 years (range = 70-95 years), and primary tumor was colorectal in 67.8%. A total 61.2% of all surgeries were via a minimally invasive approach. The 30-, 90-, and 180-day mortality was 3.7%, 6.3%, and 9%, respectively. At 30 and 180 days, postoperative morbidity was 39.2% and 52.4%, respectively, and Clavien-Dindo III-IV complications were 13.5% and 18.7%, respectively. The mean EQ-5D-3L index was similar before vs 3 months but improved at 6 months (0.79 vs 0.82; P < .001). Domains showing improvement were pain and anxiety or depression. A Flemish Triage Risk Screening Tool score greater than or equal to 2 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13 to 2.21, P = .007), palliative surgery (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.01 to 4.52, P = .046), postoperative complications (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.19 to 3.18, P = .007) correlated with worsening QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

GOSAFE shows that older adults' preoperative QoL is preserved 3 months after cancer surgery, independent of their age. Frailty screening tools, patient-reported outcomes, and goals-of-care discussions can guide decisions to pursue surgery and direct patients' expectations.

Surgical treatment of digestive cancer in a well-defined elderly population

INTRODUCTION

Digestive cancer is of concern because of its frequency and severity with an increasing older median age of onset. The purpose of this study was to describe in a well-defined population presenting with non-metastatic digestive cancer the frequency of surgical resection and outcomes according to age.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed 7760 patients with a non-metastatic digestive cancer, recorded in the Burgundy population-based digestive cancer registry between 2009 and 2017. There were 3506 non-colorectal cancers and 4254 colorectal cancers with 3292 colon and 962 rectal cancers. The frequency of surgical resection was analyzed according to age (classified into four categories <70, [70-80[, [80-85[, and ≥85), sex, comorbidities and obesity. Postoperative mortality at 30 and 90 days was determined according to age, sex, comorbidity, obesity, location, surgery R0 or not. The 5-year survival study included 2952 patients with colorectal cancer, non-metastatic and who benefited from an R0 resection.

RESULTS

Overall, 64% of the patients with M0 digestive cancer underwent a surgical resection, varying from 31% for Non colorectal Digestive cancers to 94% for colon site. The percentage of patients operated on for a resectable disease decreases from 71% before age 70 to 43% from age 85. Age and comorbidities were the main criteria influencing the probability of resection. At 30 days, postoperative mortality was 3%, all localizations and ages combined. At 90 days, this rate was 5%. In patients over 85 years old it gradually increases from 7% at 30 days and to 10% at 90 days. A man under 70 years of age has a net survival of 0.88 at 5 years, and 0.91 for a woman. For a man between 70 and 80 years old, it decreases to 0.81 and to 0.66 from 80 years old. In women, net survival is 0.87 between 70 and 80 years of age at 5 years, then drops to 0.75 from age 80.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows a drop in access to surgery at different pivotal ages depending on the tumor location. This sudden drop in the resection rate is not justified by the increase in mortality with age, which is linear. In addition, the expected benefits of surgery are significant, with a net survival, mainly after the 1st year, of the same order as for younger patients. Age by itself should not be the only criterion in the medical decision. The challenge is to detect and treat the comorbidities that worsen the operative risk and the prognosis. There are few data on the management of digestive cancers specifically in the elderly. Our study shows that access to surgery is strongly linked to age and this in a non-linear way, whereas the expected benefits of surgery are significant, of the same order as for younger patients. Age itself should not be the only criterion in the medical decision.

Breast Cancer in Women Over 65 years- a Review of Screening and Treatment Options

Breast cancer is becoming increasingly prevalent in the women greater than 65 years of age. Most tumors are hormone receptor-positive in this group. Breast cancer screening recommendations for older women should be tailored based on life expectancy. Early stage breast cancer should be treated with conservative surgery followed by adjuvant endocrine therapy in HR+ patients. Primary endocrine therapy is a low-risk option for those with limited life expectancy. Adjuvant radiation therapy can be avoided in early stage, low-risk cancers. Evaluation should include comprehensive geriatric assessment. Treatment with less cytotoxic chemotherapy, HER-2 targeted therapies, and other biomarker-driven, molecularly targeted therapies should be sought whenever possible.

Short-term outcomes in older patients with peritoneal malignancy treated with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC: Experience with 245 patients from a national centre

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is increasingly accepted as the optimal management of selected patients with peritoneal malignancy. There is limited published evidence on outcomes in older patients treated by this complex therapeutic strategy.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospective database of all patients who underwent CRS with HIPEC in a single institution over seven years. A comparative analysis of outcomes in patients under 65 undergoing CRS and HIPEC with patients ≥65 years was performed. The key endpoints were morbidity, mortality, reintervention rate and length of stay in the high dependency/intensive care (HDU/ICU) units.

RESULTS

Overall, 245 patients underwent CRS and HIPEC during the study period, with 76/245 (31%) ≥65 years at the time of intervention. Tumour burden measured by the peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) score was a median of 11 for both groups. Median length of hospital stay in the ≥65-year-old group was 14.5 days versus 13 days in the <65-year-old group (∗p = 0.01). Patients aged ≥65-years spent a median of one more day in the critical care unit ∗(p = 0.001). Significant morbidity (Clavien-Dindo ≥ Grade IIIa) was higher in the ≥65-year than the <65-year group (18.4% versus 11.2%). There were no perioperative deaths in the ≥65-year group.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates higher perioperative major morbidity in ≥65-year group, but with low mortality in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC for disseminated intraperitoneal malignancy. This increased morbidity does not translate into higher rates of re-interventions and highlights the importance of optimal patient selection.

Preoperative Inflammatory Markers as a Predictor of Three-Year Overall Survival in Older Cancer Patients Undergoing Oncologic Surgery

Simple Summary

Older patients can have an increased expression of inflammatory cytokines due to ageing of the immune system. It is likely that older cancer patients with a low-grade inflammatory state are more at risk for an exaggerated inflammatory response to surgery and for poor outcome after surgery. The aim of this study was to examine whether preoperative inflammatory markers could be a predictor of overall survival in older patients undergoing oncologic surgery. In this prospective cohort study, a plasma level of C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 10 mg/L was a predictor of inferior three-year overall survival after oncologic surgery in older cancer patients, and also for the specific group of older patients with a colorectal tumor. Measuring preoperative plasma level of CRP might be useful in risk stratification for poor outcome after surgery in older cancer patients.

Abstract

Oncologic surgery results in substantially higher morbidity and mortality rates in older patients compared to younger patients, yet little is known about the relation between the preoperative inflammatory state and postoperative outcome in the specific group of older cancer patients. The aim of this study was to examine whether preoperative inflammatory markers could be a predictor of overall survival in older patients undergoing elective surgery for a solid malignant tumor. Patients 65 years and older undergoing surgery for a solid malignant tumor were included in a prospective cohort study. Inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL10, IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured in plasma samples preoperatively. The main outcome was overall survival three years after surgery. Between 2010 and 2016, 328 patients with a median age of 71.5 years (range 65–89) were included. A significantly higher mortality rate three years after surgery, was found in patients with high preoperative plasma levels of CRP and IL-6 (p = 0.013 and p = 0.046, respectively). In multivariate analysis, corrected for variables such as age, disease stage, frailty, comorbidities, type of surgery and complications, a preoperative plasma level of CRP ≥ 10 mg/L was an independent prognostic factor for inferior overall survival three years after surgery (multivariate hazard ratio 1.50, 95% confidence interval 1.04–2.16, p = 0.031). Also, for the specific group of patients with colorectal cancer, a preoperative plasma level of CRP ≥ 10 mg/L was a prognostic factor for inferior survival three years after surgery (multivariate hazard ratio 2.40, 95% confidence interval 1.20–4.81, p = 0.014). Preoperative elevated plasma level of CRP is an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for overall survival three years after oncologic surgery. This gives more insight into the relationship between inflammation and survival in older cancer patients, and might contribute to risk stratification for poor outcome after surgery in older cancer patients.

Screening Tools for Identifying Older Adults With Cancer Who May Benefit From a Geriatric Assessment: A Systematic Review

Importance

Older adults with cancer are at risk of overtreatment or undertreatment when decision-making is based solely on chronological age. Although a geriatric assessment is recommended to inform care, the time and expertise required limit its feasibility for all patients. Screening tools offer the potential to identify those who will benefit most from a geriatric assessment. Consensus about the optimal tool to use is lacking.

Objective

To appraise the evidence on screening tools used for older adults with cancer and identify an optimal screening tool for older adults with cancer who may benefit from geriatric assessment.

Evidence Review

Systematic review of 4 databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL [Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature], and PubMed) with narrative synthesis from January 1, 2000, to March 14, 2019. Studies reporting on the diagnostic accuracy and use of validated screening tools to identify older adults with cancer who need a geriatric assessment were eligible for inclusion. Data were analyzed from March 14, 2019, to March 23, 2020.

Findings

Seventeen unique studies were included, reporting on the use of 12 screening tools. Most studies were prospective cohort studies (n = 11) with only 1 randomized clinical trial. Not all studies reported time taken to administer the screening tools. The Geriatric-8 (G8) (n = 12) and the Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13) (n = 9) were the most frequently evaluated screening tools. The G8 scored better in sensitivity and the VES-13 in specificity. Other screening tools evaluated include the Groningen Frailty Index, abbreviated comprehensive geriatric assessment, and Physical Performance Test in 2 studies each. All other screening tools were evaluated in 1 study each.

Conclusions and Relevance

To date, the G8 and VES-13 have the most evidence to recommend their use to inform the need for geriatric assessment. When choosing a screening tool, clinicians will need to weigh the tradeoffs between sensitivity and specificity. Future research needs to further validate or improve current screening tools and explore other factors that can influence their use, such as ease of use and resourcing.

Physical function predicts mortality in patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

PURPOSE

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether physical function can predict mortality in patients with cancer.

METHODS

Literature searches were conducted in Web of Science, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, ProQuest, PEDro, and PubMed for articles published before September 2020. Four review authors retrieved studies using predetermined eligibility criteria and conducted quality assessment and data extraction.

RESULTS

A total of 1356 titles and abstracts were screened; ultimately, 26 studies were determined to be suitable for meta-analysis. Grip strength was significantly associated with mortality risk in patients with cancer (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.15, P = 0.005). Gait speed was also associated with mortality risk (HR = 1.58, P = 0.0004). In grip strength and gait speed, the subgroup comprised of patients with cancer aged ≥ 80 years had a higher effect size than that of patients aged < 80 years. The short physical performance battery measurement was markedly associated with mortality risk, showing the largest effect size (HR = 2.37, P < 0.00001). The 6-min walking test distance was significantly associated with mortality risk (HR = 1.55, P = 0.001). The timed up and go test was significantly associated with mortality risk with a high effect size (HR = 2.66, P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that physical function predicted mortality in patients with cancer. Furthermore, physical function outcomes in patients aged 80 years and above reflected a higher mortality.

Preoperative Cognitive Impairment and the Prevalence of Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Cancer Patients-A Prospective Observational Study

Preoperative cognitive impairment (PCI) in cancer patients includes a broad spectrum of neurocognitive changes produced by complex interplay of patient, tumoural and treatment-related factors. Reduced preoperative cognitive reserve can favour the emergence of postoperative delirium (POD). The study aims to document PCI prevalence and to assess the relationship with POD in elderly cancer patients. The prospective observational study included consecutive patients scheduled for elective surgery; PCI was assessed with Mini-Cog test and defined at a score ≤ 3, POD was screened using Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) and defined at a score ≥ 2. Data on education, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, preoperative medications, substance use, comorbidities, sensorial deficits, surgery and anaesthesia type, anaesthetic drugs, Mini-Cog score, postoperative pain, Nu-DESC were collected. In total, 131 patients were enrolled, mean age 72.1 ± 5.9 years. PCI prevalence was 51.9% (n = 68). POD prevalence was 19.8% (n = 26), with significantly higher value in PCI patients (27.9% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.016). In multivariate analysis, Mini-Cog score ≤ 3 (OR = 2.6, p = 0.027), clock draw (OR: 2.9, p = 0.013), preoperative renal dysfunction (OR = 2.6, p = 0.012), morphine (OR = 2.7, p = 0.007), metoclopramide (OR = 6.6, p = 0.006), and high pain score (OR = 1.8, p = 0.018) had a significant association with POD development. In this sample of elderly patients, PCI had a high prevalence and predicted the emergence of POD. Incorporating Mini-Cog test into the preoperative evaluation of onco-geriatric patients seems valuable and feasible.

Assessment of physical function by subjective and objective methods in patients undergoing open gynecologic surgery

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utility of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to measure physical functioning in perioperative care for patients with gynecological (GYN) tumors.

METHODS

180 patients with GYN tumors undergoing open surgery participated in this longitudinal study. The physical functioning was measured by a subjective PRO tool, the Interference subscales of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-I); as well as by an objective tool, the Timed Up & Go test (TUGT), perioperatively. Longer time (>20 s) needed to complete the TUGT was defined as "Prolonged". Patients completed EuroQoL-5D as well. The association between the scores of MDASI-I items and TUGT was assessed via the Spearman correlation coefficient. The known-group validity was assessed using the t-test and Cohen's D effect size.

RESULTS

Compliance rates at preoperative, discharge and postoperative time points of MDASI-I were 98%, 95%, 96%; while TUGT completion rates were 92%, 75%, and 80%, respectively. Patients who had refused TUGT at discharge reported a significantly worse "MDASI-general activity" score compared to patients who completed TUGT (mean score of 7.00 vs. 5.38, P = 0.020). Patient-reported "Walking" on MDASI-I significantly differentiated patients with prolonged vs. those with frail/normal TUGT at discharge (mean score of 4.89 vs. 2.79, Cohen's d effect size = 0.82, P < 0.001). MDASI-I demonstrated excellent known-group validity per performance status and for the EuroQoL-5D subscales.

CONCLUSION

Patient-reported physical functioning impairment after GYN surgery correspond with observed worse scores of the objective functioning measure test (TUGT). MDASI-I assessment represents a feasible and valid tool to evaluate functional status and warrants further implementation in the perioperative setting.

Care of the Geriatric Colorectal Surgical Patient and Framework for Creating a Geriatric Program: A Compendium From the 2019 American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Meeting

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Symptom and functional recovery monitoring in thoracic surgery

Curative-intent surgery is the treatment of choice for thoracic malignancies, including lung cancer. There is significant complexity and uncertainty associated with the diagnosis, prognosis, and surgical treatment decision-making in thoracic surgery. From a patient point of view, this complexity and uncertainty can be overwhelming. Therefore, for high-quality cancer care, an emphasis on patient-centered care-including the improvement in quality of life (QOL) through symptom and functional monitoring-is essential. Using the current literature and our previous research, the purpose of this paper is to: (I) review the current evidence on symptom and functional monitoring in surgery; (II) describe strategies to monitor symptoms and functional recovery in surgery; and (III) describe a model of patient-centered care in thoracic surgery.

Frailty and elderly in urology: implications for postoperative complications

The geriatric population is at a greater risk of postoperative complications than young adults. This risk is associated with the physiologic decline seen in this population known as frailty. Unlike fitter patients, frail patients who undergo operative treatment have a greater likelihood of developing postoperative complications and endure prolonged hospital stays. This circumstance is comparable to the urological status. Therefore, tolerable measurement of frailty as a domain of preoperative health status has been suggested to ascertain vulnerability in elderly patients. In this review, we will elaborate on the concept of frailty and examine its importance with respect to surgical complications, focusing on the urological status.

Influence of Frailty on Outcome in Older Patients Undergoing Non-Cardiac Surgery - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frailty is increasingly recognized as a better predictor of adverse postoperative events than chronological age. The objective of this review was to systematically evaluate the effect of frailty on postoperative morbidity and mortality. Studies were included if patients underwent non-cardiac surgery and if frailty was measured by a validated instrument using physical, cognitive and functional domains. A systematic search was performed using EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CENTRAL and PubMed from 1990 - 2017. Methodological quality was assessed using an assessment tool for prognosis studies. Outcomes were 30-day mortality and complications, one-year mortality, postoperative delirium and discharge location. Meta-analyses using random effect models were performed and presented as pooled risk ratios with confidence intervals and prediction intervals. We included 56 studies involving 1.106.653 patients. Eleven frailty assessment tools were used. Frailty increases risk of 30-day mortality (31 studies, 673.387 patients, risk ratio 3.71 [95% CI 2.89-4.77] (PI 1.38-9.97; I2=95%) and 30-day complications (37 studies, 627.991 patients, RR 2.39 [95% CI 2.02-2.83). Risk of 1-year mortality was threefold higher (six studies, 341.769 patients, RR 3.40 [95% CI 2.42-4.77]). Four studies (N=438) reported on postoperative delirium. Meta-analysis showed a significant increased risk (RR 2.13 [95% CI 1.23-3.67). Finally, frail patients had a higher risk of institutionalization (10 studies, RR 2.30 [95% CI 1.81- 2.92]). Frailty is strongly associated with risk of postoperative complications, delirium, institutionalization and mortality. Preoperative assessment of frailty can be used as a tool for patients and doctors to decide who benefits from surgery and who doesn't.

Usefulness of eight screening tools for predicting frailty and postoperative short- and long-term outcomes among older patients with cancer who qualify for abdominal surgery

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare the ability of eight frailty screening scores to predict short- (30-day major morbidity and mortality), long-term outcomes (12-month mortality) and to compare their accuracy for predicting frailty among older patients with cancer undergoing elective abdominal surgery with curative intent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients aged ≥70 years were enrolled prospectively. The diagnostic performance of eight screening tests were evaluated: The Vulnerable Elderly Survey (VES-13), Triage Risk Screening Tool (TRST), Geriatric 8 (G8), Groningen Frailty Index (GFI), abbreviated Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (aCGA), Rockwood, Balducci and Fried score. Frailty was defined based on the Geriatric Assessment (GA) with two (2ID) or three impaired domains (3ID).

RESULTS

The study included 269 consecutive patients; median age 78 (range 70-94) years. The prevalence of frailty based on the reference GA was: 40.9% (2ID), 34.2% (3ID) and using screening tools 40-75.5%. The area under the curve (AUC) for predicting the postoperative outcome was: 0.58-0.75 (30-day morbidity), 0.54-0.71 (30-day mortality) and 0.59-0.74 (12-month mortality), respectively, being the highest for the G8. The AUC for the frailty screening tests was: 0.67-0.85 (at the 2ID) and 0.63-0.83 (at the 3ID), being the highest for the aCGA.

CONCLUSION

The G8 was the best predictor of 30-day major morbidity, 30-day and 12-month mortality. It also had the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value in frailty screening, in case of both frailty definitions. In turn, the aCGA had the highest discriminatory ability in terms of frailty screening.

Nutritional status and interventions for patients with cancer - A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Malnourishment is commonly seen in ageing, cancer and many chronic conditions, and is associated with poorer prognosis.

AIM

We set out to collect all currently available evidence on the association between nutritional status assessed with a validated screening tool and prognosis or course of treatment in older patients with cancer, and on the benefit of nutritional interventions in improving these outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic search in MEDLINE and EMBASE.

RESULTS

We included 71 studies on the association between nutritional status and outcome in (older) patients with cancer and 17 studies on the benefit of nutritional interventions in improving outcomes in this patient population. There is a significant association between nutritional status and increased intermediate- and long-term mortality (hazard ratio 1.87 (95% confidence interval 1.62-2.17). Those with poorer nutritional status were less likely to complete oncologic treatment according to plan and had higher health care consumption. Benefit of dietary interventions was limited although dietary counselling may lead to improved quality of life while nutritional support may lead to a decrease in post-operative complication rates.

CONCLUSION

Nutritional status is associated with poorer survival, decreased treatment completion and higher health care consumption and nutritional interventions are only able to negate these negatives outcome to a very limited degree.

Long-Term Survival and Risk of Institutionalization in Onco-Geriatric Surgical Patients: Long-Term Results of the PREOP Study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate long-term survival and institutionalization in onco-geriatric surgical patients, and to analyze the association between these outcomes and a preoperative risk score.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study with long-term follow-up.

SETTING

International and multicenter locations.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged 70 years or older undergoing elective surgery for a malignant solid tumor at five centers (n = 229).

MEASUREMENTS

We assessed long-term survival and institutionalization using the Preoperative Risk Estimation for Onco-geriatric Patients (PREOP) score, developed to predict the 30-day risk of major complications. The PREOP score collected data about sex, type of surgery, and the American Society for Anesthesiologists classification, as well as the Timed Up & Go test and the Nutritional Risk Screening results. An overall score higher than 8 was considered abnormal.

RESULTS

We included 149 women and 80 men (median age = 76 y; interquartile range = 8). Survival at 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively was 84%, 77%, and 56%, respectively. Moreover, survival at 1 year was worse for patients with a PREOP risk score higher than 8 (70%) compared with 8 or lower (91%). Of those alive at 1 year, 43 (26%) were institutionalized, and by 2 years, almost half of the entire cohort (46%) were institutionalized or had died. A PREOP risk score higher than 8 was associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7-4.0), irrespective of stage and age, but not with being institutionalized (odds ratios = 1 y, 1.6 [95% CI = .7-3.8]; 2 y, 2.2 [95% CI = .9-5.5]).

CONCLUSION

A high PREOP score is associated with mortality but not with remaining independent. Despite acceptable survival rates, physical function may deteriorate after surgery. It is imperative to discuss treatment goals and expectations preoperatively to determine if they are feasible. Using the PREOP risk score can provide an objective measure on which to base decisions. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1235-1241, 2020.

The association between the inflammatory response to surgery and postoperative complications in older patients with cancer; a prospective prognostic factor study

BACKGROUND

Accurate prognostic biomarkers would substantially improve surgical planning and decisions making yet no studies have been reported exploring the inflammatory response in surgically treated older patients with cancer. The aim of this study was to explore inflammatory biomarkers as potential prognostic factors for postoperative complications within 30 days in older patients with cancer.

METHOD

Patients 65 years and older undergoing surgery for removal of a solid malignant tumour were included in an observational cohort study. All complications occurring up to 30 days postoperatively were documented prospectively. Inflammatory markers were measured in plasma samples pre- and postoperatively: C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Associations between inflammatory markers and postoperative complications were explored using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Between July 2010 and April 2014, plasma samples of 224 patients were collected. Median age was 72 (65-89) years and 116 (51.8%) patients were female. Approximately half of the patients developed postoperative complications (49.6%) of whom 62 patients (55.9%) developed >1 complication. An independent prognostic effect was observed for the inflammatory biomarkers IL-6 and IL-10 for the occurrence of postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

The perioperative inflammatory response is associated with complications, independently from patient and surgical factors which are also associated with outcome. Research is warranted towards further exploration of the perioperative inflammatory response with the aim to improve perioperative care and outcome, and might help to improve surgical planning and decision making for older patients with cancer.

The Influence of Patients' Age on the Outcome of Treatment for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of age on curative management and outcomes of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Patients who underwent resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma at 2 units were retrospectively reviewed (between 2005 and 2017) and stratified by age (older patients ≥70 years). Regression analysis was used to explore factors impacting administration of adjuvant chemotherapy and survival. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate overall survival (time from surgery to death). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

From 2005 to 2014, 222 patients were identified (<70 years, n = 128; ≥70 years, n = 94). Elderly patients were less likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy compared with younger patients (odds ratio, 0.57, P = 0.041). Tumor stage, margin, and year of surgery (post-2011 vs pre-2011) were not predictors for chemotherapy receipt (P > 0.05). Frailty was the commonest reason (36.8%) to decline chemotherapy in elderly patients. In patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, completion rates (P = 0.32) and overall survival (24 months vs 30 months, P = 0.50) were no different.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients demonstrate similar outcomes to younger yet are less likely to commence chemotherapy because of frailty. Holistic preoperative assessment may improve selection for curative treatment.

The Safety of Iterative Cytoreductive Surgery and HIPEC for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: A High Volume Center Prospectively Maintained Database Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Offering iterative cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) for recurrence of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) poses a surgical dilemma. Safety of this repeated operation in the short and long term has not been largely investigated.

METHODS

Patients with PC who underwent 377 CRS/HIPEC procedures between 2007 and 2018 at our institution were included from a prospectively maintained database. Outcomes for patients who had singular CRS/HIPEC were compared with those for patients who had repeated CRS/HIPEC.

RESULTS

Overall, there were 325 singular and 52 iterative CRS/HIPEC procedures performed during this time period. Age, sex, and ASA class were comparable between cohorts (p = NS). Optimal cytoreduction, mean operative time, mean length of hospital stay, 90-day major morbidity, and 90-day mortality were also similar. At a median follow-up of 24 months, there was no significant difference in recurrence rate (%, 60 vs 63, p = 0.76), disease-free survival (mean months, 19 vs 15, p = 0.30), and overall survival (mean months, 32 vs 27, p = 0.69). The iterative CRS/HIPEC group had significantly higher rates of major late complications than the singular CRS/HIPEC group (%, 18 vs 40, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Repeated CRS/HIPEC for PC has similar perioperative morbidity and mortality, as well as long-term oncological benefits, when compared with singular CRS/HIPEC. However, more than twice as many patients undergoing iterative CRS/HIPEC suffered from major late complications.

[Preoperative cognitive function in very old patients : Influence on the complication rate and length of hospitalization]

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal cancer is a frequent diagnosis in older patients. A curative resection, possibly in combination with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, is the standard therapy. The advanced age of the patients with an increasing number of comorbidities and often the presence of cognitive impairment represents a high risk for perioperative complications and a longer stay in hospital. The challenge in the clinical routine is to recognize a cognitive impairment in older patients and to prepare these patients for the operative intervention in the best possible way.

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective analysis was carried out to find out whether preoperative cognitive impairment is a prognostic factor for the postoperative outcome.

METHODS

In patients over the age of 75 years who were prepared for abdominal surgery of gastrointestinal cancer in the preoperative consultation, the mini mental state examination (MMSE) and the clock test were carried out. The results of the tests were retrospectively compared with the complication rate and the duration of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Low MMSE values were significantly associated with the complication rate and the development of a severe complication (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3a). A cut-off value of 24 points in the MMSE was predictive for the development of complications and a longer hospital stay. The age of the patients was not associated with the MMSE.

CONCLUSION

Cognitive impairment is an important prognostic factor for the development of perioperative complications and the duration of the hospital stay in patients undergoing extensive abdominal surgery for gastrointestinal cancer. Therefore, a preoperative assessment, for example with the MMSE, is recommended in order to identify high-risk patients.

Prevalence of frailty in a tertiary hospital: A point prevalence observational study

INTRODUCTION

Frailty is an important concept in modern healthcare due to its association with adverse outcomes. Its prevalence varies in the literature and there is a paucity of literature looking at the prevalence of frailty in an inpatient setting. Its significance lies on its impact on resource utilisation and costs.

AIM

To determine the prevalence of frailty in the adult population in a tertiary New Zealand hospital.

METHODS

Eligible patients aged 18 years and over were invited to participate, and frailty assessment was performed using the Reported Edmonton Frail Scale. A score of 8 or more was considered frail. Factors associated with frailty were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 640 occupied inpatient beds, 420 patients were assessed. 220 patients were excluded, of which 89 were absent from their bed-space, 73 declined and 41 were critically unwell. The overall prevalence of frailty across assessed patients was 48.8%. The prevalence of frailty increased significantly with age; patients aged 85 and over were significantly more likely to be frail compared to those aged under 65 (OR 6.25, 95% CI 3.17-12.7). Maori patients were significantly more likely to be frail (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.45-11.9). When compared to those patients admitted to a medical specialty, patients admitted to surgical specialty were less likely to be frail (OR 0.52 95% CI 0.31-0.86) and those admitted for rehabilitation were more likely to be frail (OR 1.86 95% CI 1.03-3.41). Frail patients were more likely to come from a rest home (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.38-6.14) or hospital level care (OR 9.62, 95% CI 2.68-61.6).

CONCLUSION

Frailty is highly prevalent in the hospital setting with 48.8% of all inpatients classified as frail. This high number of frail patients has significant resource implications and an increased understanding of the burden of frailty in this population may aid targeting of interventions towards this vulnerable population.

Predictive value of each geriatric assessment domain for older patients with cancer: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

A geriatric assessment (GA) is increasingly used to help guide treatment decisions in older patients with cancer. However, there is no consensus regarding which domains should be included in the GA. In addition, the field of geriatric oncology moves very fast and as a result many new studies have been published since the last review in 2015. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review is to evaluate which domains of the GA could predict patient-related treatment outcomes of older patients with cancer and thereby should be included in a GA.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed for publications in English or Dutch between September 2006 and July 2017 addressing the association between individual domains of the GA and mortality, postoperative complications, or systemic treatment-related outcomes in older patients with cancer.

RESULTS

Eight different domains were evaluated in 46 publications, namely functional status, nutritional status, cognition, mood, physical function, fatigue, social support, and falls. All eight domains were predictive for at least one of the investigated outcomes but the results were quite variable across studies. Physical function and nutritional status were the domains most often associated with mortality and systemic treatment-related outcomes, and the domain physical function was most often associated with postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this review demonstrates that the GA should minimally consist of physical function and nutritional status, when the aim is to predict patients-related outcomes of older patients with cancer, although the results are quite heterogeneous. For the other domains, the findings are too inconsistent to draw conclusions about their overall predictive ability.

Frailty in surgical patients

OBJECTIVE

To describe the current definitions, aetiology, assessment tools and clinical implications of frailty in modern surgical practice.

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a critical issue in modern surgical practice due to its association with adverse health events and poor post-operative outcomes. The global population is rapidly ageing resulting in more older patients presenting for surgery. With this, the number of frail patients presenting for surgery is also increasing. Despite the identification of frailty as a significant predictor of poor health outcomes, there is currently no consensus on how to define, measure and diagnose this important syndrome.

METHODS

Relevant references were identified through keyword searches of the Cochran, MEDLINE and EMbase databases.

RESULTS

Despite the lack of a gold standard operational definition, frailty can be conceptualised as a state of increased vulnerability resulting from a decline in physiological reserve and function across multiple organ systems, such that the ability to withstand stressors is impaired. Multiple studies have shown a strong association between frailty and adverse peri-operative outcomes. Frailty may be assessed using multiple tools; however, the ideal tool for use in a clinical setting has yet to be identified. Despite the association between frailty and adverse outcomes, few interventions have been shown to improve outcomes in these patients.

CONCLUSION

Frailty encompasses a group of individuals at high risk of adverse post-operative outcomes. Further work exploring ways to optimally assess and target interventions towards these patients should be the focus of ongoing research.

A Simple Screening Tool to Predict Outcomes in Older Adults Undergoing Emergency General Surgery

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether the Flemish version of the Triage Risk Screening Tool (fTRST) can be used to accurately assess frailty in an emergency setting.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

of a tertiary referral hospital.

PATIENTS

All individuals aged 70 and older consecutively admitted to the emergency surgery unit with an urgent need for abdominal surgery between December 2015 and May 2016 who met inclusion criteria (N=110).

MEASUREMENTS

Individuals were screened with the fTRST and additional metrics such as the age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index and American Society of Anesthesiology score. Thirty- and 90-day postoperative complications where recorded. Regression analyses were performed to identify possible preoperative predictors of adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

Thirty-day major complications (Clavien-Dindo Classification 3-5) occurred in 28.2% of participants (n=31). fTRST had the highest correlation with major complications (odds ratio (OR) = 7.42). All participants who died within 30 days of surgery has a fTRST score of 2 or greater (area under the receiver operating curve (AUC)=71.3). When risk factors for overall 90-day mortality were analyzed, a fTRST score of 2 or greater had sensitivity of 96% (95% confidence interval CI=79.6-99.9%), specificity of 43.5% (95% CI=32.8-54.7%) (AUC=69.8%; OR=18.50, 95% CI=2.39-143.11, p = .005). The average length of hospital stay was more than twice as long in the group with a fTRST score of 2 or greater (15.2 days) than in those with a score less than 2 (6.6 days) (p = .005).

CONCLUSION

The fTRST is an effective tool to predict mortality, morbidity, and length of stay after emergency surgery and can therefore be used to anticipate postoperative course, determine care goals, and plan for involvement of a dedicated geriatric care team. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:309-316, 2019.

Risk factors for 30-day complications after cancer surgery in geriatric patients: a secondary analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim was to analyse the association between severity of complications up to 30 days after surgery and pre-operative nutritional and physical performance parameters.

METHODS

The participants were a subsample of the previously published PERATECS study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01278537) and included 517 onco-geriatric patients aged ≥ 65 years, undergoing thoracoabdominal, gynaecological, or urological surgery. Post-operative complications were classified according to the Clavien Classification System (CCS). Independent risk factors related to the severity of complications, defined as major complications (CCS IIIa-V) and graded complications (CCS grade 0-V), were analysed using logistic and ordinal regression, respectively.

RESULTS

In total, 132 patients suffered major post-operative complications. The development of major post-operative complications was independently associated with body mass index (BMI) < 20 kg/m² , hypoalbuminaemia (< 30 g/l), longer duration of surgery, and specific tumour sites (upper gastrointestinal, gynaecological, colorectal) (all P < 0.05). Higher-grade complications were predicted by Timed Up and Go (TUG) > 20 s, hypoalbuminaemia (< 30 g/l), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status III-IV, longer duration of surgery (> 165 min), and specific tumour sites (upper gastrointestinal, gynaecological) (all P < 0.05). Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scores and weight loss were not independent risk factors for the severity of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Nutritional and physical performance risk factors that predicted the severity of complications differed between major and higher-grade post-operative complications, but hypoalbuminaemia independently predicted both. The results support the need for pre-operative risk screening. Due to the explorative nature of the study, further research is required in larger cohorts to corroborate these findings.

Risk Factors for Adverse Outcome for Elderly Patients undergoing Curative Oncological Resection for Gastrointestinal Malignancies

BACKGROUND

The incidence of gastrointestinal cancer increases with age, with approximately 20% of these cases in people over 80 years of age. Due to pre-existing comorbidities, this onco-geriatric population often presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

METHODS

A systematic review of articles on PubMed was performed to determine the predictive ability of screening tools and their components regarding the occurrence of adverse outcomes in elderly onco-surgical patients with gastrointestinal malignancies.

RESULTS

Surgical procedures in this patient cohort, particularly complex resections, may result in increased morbidity and mortality. The decision to treat an elderly patient with curative intent requires sound clinical judgment based on knowledge, consideration of objective parameters, and experience. These patients could potentially be optimized for surgery with the improvement of nutritional and overall performance status as well as with stabilizing comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

Various geriatric assessment and screening tools have been developed to identify risk factors to assist the surgeon and the interdisciplinary team in treatment planning, including the Frailty Assessment Score, Timed Up and Go test, nutritional status, and Activities of Daily Living test. It is important to emphasize that transparent and open communication between the treating surgeon and the patient is crucial in that the patient fully understands the implications of the treatment plan.

Functional impairment prior to major non-cardiac surgery is associated with mortality within one year in elderly patients with gastrointestinal, gynaecological and urogenital cancer: A prospective observational cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic value of elements of the Geriatric Assessment, in particular the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test and the Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) for one-year post-operative mortality in elderly patients with cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective cohort study included patients 65years of age or older undergoing elective major surgery for cancer between June 2008 and June 2010. Preoperative functional status was measured by the TUG Test and the Barthel Index of ADL Cognitive state was assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Complications were recorded prospectively. The degree of resection was noted.

RESULTS

Data from 131 patients (56% women; median age, 71years) were analysed at 1year of follow-up. Mortality after 1year was 28.2%. Twenty-nine patients (22.3%) were dependent in ADLs, and 43 (35.2%) impaired in TUG. Thirteen patients (10.7%) were both, dependent in ADLs and impaired in TUG. Short-term complications after surgery occurred in 66% of patients, and major complications occurred in 29%. Patients who were dependent in ADLs and impaired in TUG had significantly higher 1-year mortality (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.21-18.25; p=0.034). Lower scores on the MMSE (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43-0.95; p=0.048) and incomplete surgical resection (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.15-9.20; p=0.026) were independently associated with higher 1-year mortality.

CONCLUSION

Functional assessments, such as ADL and TUG scores, as well as mild cognitive impairment, are predictors of long-term outcome in elderly cancer patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS 00005150).