Impact of frailty on approach to colonic resection: Laparoscopy vs open surgery

Prevalence and impact of frailty in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on modified frailty index

Frailty has been linked to unfavorable postoperative outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the prevalence of frailty among CRC surgery patients and its association with mortality and postoperative complications, as evaluated by the modified frailty index (mFI), have not been thoroughly investigated and necessitate clarification. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and CBM databases were systematically searched for relevant studies (up to January 2024), and the pooled prevalence and odds ratio (OR) estimate were calculated. A total of 16 studies containing 245 747 patients undergoing CRC surgery were included. The prevalence of frailty among CRC surgery patients was 31% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 20%-42%; I2 = 100%, p < 0.001). In patients undergoing CRC surgery, frailty was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications (OR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.47-2.56; I2 = 91.9%, p < 0.001), but it did not exhibit any significant correlation with the 30-day mortality (OR = 5.17; 95% CI = 0.39-68.64; I2 = 94.4%, p < 0.001). Frailty is common in CRC surgery and exerts a significant negative impact on the postoperative outcomes. Future research could explore the potential of the mFI to facilitate a more streamlined and precise quantification of frailty, thereby establishing a refined understanding of its correlation with surgery prognosis.

Impact of clinical frailty on surgical and non-surgical complications after major emergency abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND

Major emergency abdominal surgery is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Given the ageing and increasingly frail population, understanding the impact of frailty on complication patterns after surgery is crucial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between clinical frailty and organ-specific postoperative complications after major emergency abdominal surgery.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study including all patients undergoing major emergency abdominal surgery at Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Denmark, from 1 October 2020 to 1 August 2022, was performed. Clinical frailty scale scores were determined for all patients upon admission and patients were then analysed according to clinical frailty scale groups (scores of 1-3, 4-6, or 7-9). Postoperative complications were registered until discharge.

RESULTS

A total of 520 patients were identified. Patients with a low clinical frailty scale score (1-3) experienced fewer total complications (120 complications per 100 patients) compared with patients with clinical frailty scale scores of 4-6 (250 complications per 100 patients) and 7-9 (277 complications per 100 patients) (P < 0.001). A high clinical frailty scale score was associated with a high risk of pneumonia (P = 0.009), delirium (P < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (P = 0.020), and infectious complications in general (P < 0.001). Patients with severe frailty (clinical frailty scale score of 7-9) suffered from more surgical complications (P = 0.001) compared with the rest of the cohort. Severe frailty was associated with a high risk of 30-day mortality (33% for patients with a clinical frailty scale score of 7-9 versus 3.6% for patients with a clinical frailty scale score of 1-3, P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, an increasing degree of clinical frailty was found to be significantly associated with developing at least one complication.

CONCLUSION

Patients with frailty have a significantly increased risk of postoperative complications after major emergency abdominal surgery, especially atrial fibrillation, delirium, and pneumonia. Likewise, patients with frailty have an increased risk of mortality within 90 days. Thus, frailty is a significant predictor for adverse events after major emergency abdominal surgery and should be considered in all patients undergoing major emergency abdominal surgery.

Frailty in inflammatory bowel disease: analysis of the National Inpatient Sample 2015-2019

AIM

Preoperative frailty has been associated with adverse postoperative outcomes in various populations, but of its use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains sparse. The present study aimed to characterize the impact of frailty, as measured by the modified frailty index (mFI), on postoperative clinical and resource utilization outcomes in patients with IBD.

METHODS

This retrospective population-based cohort study assessed patients from the National Inpatient Sample database from 1 September 2015 to 31 December 2019. Corresponding International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision Clinical Modification codes were used to identify adult patients (>18 years of age) with IBD, undergoing either small bowel resection, colectomy or proctectomy. Patient demographics and institutional data were collected for each patient to calculate the 11-point mFI. Patients were categorized as either frail or robust using a cut-off of 0.27. Primary outcomes were postoperative in-hospital morbidity and mortality, whilst secondary outcomes included system-specific morbidity, length of stay, in-hospital healthcare costs and discharge disposition. Logistic and linear regression models were used for primary and secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 7144 patients with IBD undergoing small bowel resection, colectomy or proctectomy were identified, 337 of whom were classified as frail (i.e., mFI < 0.27). Frail patients were more likely to be women, older, have lower income and a greater number of comorbidities. After adjusting for relevant covariates, frail patients were at greater odds of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.42, 95% CI 2.31-12.77, P < 0.001), overall morbidity (aOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.30-2.28, P < 0.001), increased length of stay (adjusted mean difference 1.3 days, 95% CI 0.09-2.50, P = 0.035) and less likely to be discharged to home (aOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.45-0.77, P < 0.001) compared to their robust counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Frail IBD patients are at greater risk of postoperative mortality and morbidity, and reduced likelihood of discharge to home, following surgery. This has implications for clinicians designing care pathways for IBD patients following surgery.

Risks Associated with Surgical Treatment for Appendicitis in Hematologic Patients

Appendicitis is a prevalent surgical emergency. Although appendectomy has traditionally been the go-to treatment, recent studies suggest antibiotics can be equally effective for uncomplicated cases. However, evidence is scant regarding patients with hematologic disorders. This study delves into the surgical risks tied to appendicitis in patients with underlying hematologic conditions. A retrospective analysis was carried out on patients diagnosed with appendicitis and hematologic disorders from January 2000 to June 2021. Patients were pinpointed using ICD-10 diagnostic codes, and surgical procedures were identified based on the hospital's surgical fee codes. Hematologic conditions were sorted into risk levels, and patient treatments were scrutinized. Among the 131 initially identified patients, 89 were included in the study. Out of these, 75 underwent surgical procedures, while 14 received non-surgical treatments. The surgical group displayed better preoperative laboratory outcomes. Clinical characteristics, hematologic disease risk, and severity of appendicitis appeared not to be related to surgical complications. Patients without surgical complications showed improvement in preoperative absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and platelet counts. Lower preoperative ANCs and platelet counts were associated with extended hospital stays. For patients with hematologic disorders diagnosed with appendicitis, thorough preoperative laboratory evaluations followed by minimally invasive appendectomy appear to be a safe route without heightening the risk of severe complications compared to non-surgical management.

Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy for adenocarcinoma of the pancreas

INTRODUCTION

Minimally invasive (MI) surgery has been widely adopted to treat left-sided pancreatic cancer. However, outcomes are not clearly defined.

MATERIALS

Retrospective cohort study utilizing NCDB and NSQIP data.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma from 2004 to 2016 were included (n = 7347). Utilizing NSQIP (n = 2406), patients were divided into two groups: intention-to-treat (ITT) MI (including MI converted to open, n = 929) and open (n = 1477). Patients undergoing open pancreatectomy were more likely to have longer length of stay (6 vs. 5 days, p=<0.001). On multivariate analysis, open procedures were not associated with mortality (OR 1.24; CI 0.51-3.30, p = 0.64), serious complications (OR 1.03; CI 0.90-1.37, p = 0.79), and any complications (OR 1.07; CI 0.86-1.32, p = 0.56). NCDB patients (n = 4941) were also divided into two groups, ITT MI (n = 1,769, 36%) and open group (n = 3,172, 64%). The median survival was lower in open procedure patients, 23 vs. 27.1 months (p < 0.001). This finding was maintained on multivariable analysis (HR 1.16; CI 1.03-1.32, p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

Based on these data, MI distal pancreatectomy could be considered a standard of care for pancreatic cancer when technically feasible. Although morbidity and mortality were similar, the laparoscopic approach had a shorter length of stay and could hasten recovery.

Comparison of short-term outcomes and survival between minimally invasive colectomy and open colectomy in patients 80 years of age and older

We investigated the short- and long-term outcomes of patients 80 years of age and older with colon cancer who underwent robotic colectomy versus laparoscopic colectomy. Data for patients treated at a comprehensive cancer center between January 2006 and November 2018 were collected retrospectively. Outcomes from minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic colectomy were compared. Survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method with significance evaluated by the log-rank test. The laparoscopic (n = 104) and the robotic (n = 75) colectomy groups did not differ across baseline characteristics. Patients who underwent a robotic colectomy had a shorter median length of hospital stay (5 versus 6 days; p < 0.001) and underwent fewer conversions to open surgery (3% versus 17%; p = 0.002) compared to the laparoscopic cohort. The groups did not differ in postoperative complication rates, overall survival or disease-free survival. Elderly patients undergoing robotic colectomy for colon cancer have a shorter hospital stay and lower rates of conversion without compromise to oncologic outcomes.

Frailty predicts mortality in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleed: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Evidence on the impact of frailty in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleed (UGIB) is limited. This study aims to define the role of frailty as defined by Canadian Study of Health and Aging clinical frailty scale (CSHA-CFS) in predicting mortality in UGIB.

METHODS

A prospective single-center cohort study was conducted over 21 months on all consecutive patients with UGIB. Data on demographics, lab parameters, Glasgow Blatchford score, CSHA-CFS, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and AIMS65 score was recorded. The primary outcome was all-cause inpatient mortality. The secondary outcomes were all-cause 30-day mortality, 30-day rebleeding, 30-day readmission, hospital length of stay (LoS), intensive care unit (ICU) admission, need for repeat endoscopy, and need for blood transfusion. The data were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

There were 298 eligible patients, of which 63% were males, median age was 68 years, 44% were from non-English-speaking background, and 72% had major comorbidities. The all-cause inpatient and 30-day mortality were 9.4% and 10.7%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, CHSA-CFS was the independent predictor of all-cause inpatient mortality (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.13-2.143; P = 0.010) and all-cause 30-day mortality (OR 1.83; 95% CI 1.26-2.67; P = 0.002). CHSA-CFS was not a significant predictor of 30-day rebleed, 30-day readmission, ICU admission, hospital LoS, or need for blood transfusion.

CONCLUSION

Frailty is an important independent predictor of mortality in patients with UGIB. Frailty assessment can guide clinical decision making and allow targeting of health-care resource (Australia/New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry number: ACTRN12622000821796).

Association of frailty with outcomes of resection for colonic volvulus: A national analysis

Background

With limited national studies available, we characterized the association of frailty with outcomes of surgical resection for colonic volvulus.

Methods

Adults with sigmoid or cecal volvulus undergoing non-elective colectomy were identified in the 2010–2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Frailty was identified using the Johns Hopkins indicator which utilizes administrative codes. Multivariable models were developed to examine the association of frailty with in-hospital mortality, perioperative complications, stoma use, length of stay, hospitalization costs, non-home discharge, and 30-day non-elective readmissions.

Results

An estimated 66,767 patients underwent resection for colonic volvulus (Sigmoid: 39.6%; Cecal: 60.4%). Using the Johns Hopkins indicator, 30.3% of patients with sigmoid volvulus and 15.9% of those with cecal volvulus were considered frail. After adjustment, frail patients had higher risk of mortality compared to non-frail in both sigmoid (10.6% [95% CI 9.47–11.7] vs 5.7% [95% CI 5.2–6.2]) and cecal (10.4% [95% CI 9.2–11.6] vs 3.5% [95% CI 3.2–3.8]) volvulus cohorts. Frailty was associated with greater odds of acute venous thromboembolism occurrences (Sigmoid: AOR 1.50 [95% CI 1.18–1.94]; Cecal: AOR 2.0 [95% CI 1.50–2.72]), colostomy formation (Sigmoid: AOR 1.73 [95% CI 1.57–1.91]; Cecal: AOR 1.48 [95% CI 1.10–2.00]), non-home discharge (Sigmoid: AOR 1.97 [95% CI 1.77–2.20]; Cecal: AOR 2.56 [95% CI 2.27–2.89]), and 30-day readmission (Sigmoid: AOR 1.15 [95% CI 1.01–1.30]; Cecal: AOR 1.26 [95% CI 1.10–1.45]). Frailty was associated with incremental increase in length of stay (Sigmoid: +3.4 days [95% CI 2.8–3.9]; Cecal: +3.8 days [95% CI 3.3–4.4]) and costs (Sigmoid: +$7.5k [95% CI 5.9–9.1]; Cecal: +$12.1k [95% CI 10.1–14.1]).

Conclusion

Frailty, measured using a simplified administrative tool, is associated with significantly worse clinical and financial outcomes following non-elective resections for colonic volvulus. Standard assessment of frailty may aid risk-stratification, better inform shared-decision making, and guide healthcare teams in targeted resource allocation in this vulnerable patient population.

Factors Related to Frailty in Older Cancer Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery: A Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

Frailty is common in older cancer patients undergoing colorectal surgery, but few studies have focused on frailty and its associations in this population.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of frailty and its associations in older cancer patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 88 cancer patients 60 years or older undergoing colorectal surgery was recruited from 1 medical center. Frailty, physical activity, functional status, anxiety, depression, and social support of the patients were assessed before surgery, at discharge post surgery, and at 1 month post surgery.

RESULTS

The prevalence of frailty in cancer patients undergoing colorectal surgery was 22.7% before surgery, decreased to 19.3% before discharge, and was 12.7% at 1 month after surgery. The proportion of prefrail patients significantly increased from 47.7% before surgery to 71.1% before discharge and was 64.6% at 1 month after surgery. Frail patients were more likely to be older and unmarried, have a lower albumin level, have lower physical activity, and be more dependent on others than nonfrail patients.

CONCLUSION

Older cancer patients undergoing colorectal surgery were more likely to be prefrail after surgery than before surgery. Assessment of frailty and its associated factors is necessary for older cancer patients undergoing colorectal surgery before and after surgery.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Frailty may occur in cancer patients after colorectal surgery and is related to malnutrition and low physical activity. Appropriate discharge planning with physical activity tracking and an appropriate diet is encouraged to prevent frailty in cancer patients after colorectal surgery.

Combined laparoscopic and open colon surgery rankings fail to accurately rank hospitals by surgical-site infection rate

Objective:

To compare strategies for hospital ranking based on colon surgical-site infection (SSI) rate by combining all colon procedures versus stratifying by surgical approach (ie, laparoscopic vs open).

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

We identified SSIs among Medicare beneficiaries undergoing colon surgery from 2009 through 2013 using previously validated methods. We created a risk prediction model for SSI using age, sex, race, comorbidities, surgical approach (laparoscopy vs open), and concomitant colon and noncolon procedures. Adjusted SSI rates were used to rank hospitals. Subanalyses were performed for common colon procedures and procedure types for which there were both open and laparoscopic procedures. We generated ranks using only open and only laparoscopic procedures, overall and for each subanalysis. Rankings were compared using a Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results:

In total, 694,813 colon procedures were identified among 508,135 Medicare beneficiaries. The overall SSI rate was 7.6%. The laparoscopic approach was associated with lower SSI risk (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.4–0.5), and higher SSI risk was associated with concomitant abdominal surgeries (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.4–1.5) and higher Elixhauser score (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0–1.1). Hospital rankings for laparascopic procedures were poorly correlated with rankings for open procedures (r = 0.23).

Conclusions:

Hospital rankings based on total colon procedures fail to account for differences in SSI risk from laparoscopic vs open procedures. Stratifying rankings by surgical approach yields a more equitable comparison of surgical performance.

The Cost of Frailty in Complex Gastrointestinal Surgery

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a syndrome characterized by decreased physiologic reserve related with aging; it has been associated with increased costs of health care. Factors driving its economic impact remain poorly understood. We examine the association between frailty, complications, and costs in complex gastrointestinal surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective review of a prospective database encompassing elective complex gastrointestinal operations from 2017 to 2018 at a tertiary care hospital. Patients were categorized into non-frail (NF): MFI 0, pre-frail (PF): MFI 1-2, and frail (FR): MFI >2 based on the 5-Factor Modified Frailty Index. Linear regression models were applied.

RESULTS

612 patients were included; 268 (44%) were NF, 325 (53%) were PF, and 19 (3%) were FR. The FR group had a longer length of stay (7.26 days) compared to NF (5.05 days) or PF (5.67 days) (p = 0.031). The average total cost of care for all patients was $19,413.06 (CI 18,297.13-20,528.98). The cost for NF was $17,648.54 (CI 15,969.18-19,327.9), PF $20,435.70 (CI 18,911.01-21,960.4, p = .016), and FR patients was $26,809.36 (CI 20,511.9-33,106.81). A complication was observed in 91 patients (14.9%); of these, 76 (12.4%) were serious complications, as defined by NSQIP. There was no difference in incidence of complications (NF 14.93%, PF 14.46%, FR 21.05%, p = .734). On average, a complication added $12,656.67 regardless of frailty category.

DISCUSSION

Frail patients are more costly and have a longer length of stay than their more robust counterparts. Complications were the major driver of costs after complex gastrointestinal surgery regardless of frailty status.

Predicting Anastomotic Leak After Elective Colectomy: Utility of a Modified Frailty Index

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leak is the most dreaded complication following colonic resection. While patient frailty is increasingly being recognized as a risk factor for surgical morbidity and mortality, the current colorectal body of literature has not assessed the relationship between frailty and anastomotic leak.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the relationship between patient frailty and anastomotic leak as well as patient frailty and failure to rescue in patients who experienced an anastomotic leak.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database from 2015 to 2017.

PATIENTS

Patients with the diagnosis of colonic neoplasia undergoing an elective colectomy during the study time period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Anastomotic leak, failure to rescue.

RESULTS

A total of 30,180 elective colectomies for neoplasia were identified. The leak rate was 2.9% (n = 880). Compared to nonfrail patients, frail patients were at increased odds of anastomotic leak (frailty score = 1: OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.10-1.63; frailty score = 2: OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.04-1.68; frailty score = 3: OR = 2.41, 95% CI 1.47-3.96). After an anastomotic leak, compared to nonfrail patient, a greater proportion of frail patients experienced mortality (3.4% vs 5.9%), septic shock (16.1% vs 21.0%), myocardial infarction (1.1% vs 2.9%), and pneumonia (6.8% vs 11.8%). Furthermore, the odds of mortality, septic shock, myocardial infarction, and pneumonia increased in frail patients with higher frailty scores.

LIMITATIONS

Potential misclassification bias from lack of a strict definition of anastomotic leak and retrospective design of the study.

CONCLUSION

Frail patients undergoing colectomy for colonic neoplasia are at increased risk of an anastomotic leak. Furthermore, once a leak occurs, they are more vulnerable to failure to rescue. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B784.

PREDICCIN DE LA FUGA ANASTOMTICA DESPUS DE UNA COLECTOMA ELECTIVA UTILIDAD DE UN NDICE DE FRAGILIDAD MODIFICADO

ANTECEDENTES:La fuga anastomótica es la complicación más temida después de la resección colónica. Si bien la fragilidad del paciente se reconoce cada vez más como un factor de riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad quirúrgicas, la bibliografía colorrectal actual no ha evaluado la relación entre la fragilidad y la fuga anastomótica.OBJETIVO:Evaluar la relación entre la fragilidad del paciente y la fuga anastomótica, así como la fragilidad del paciente y la falta de rescate en pacientes que sufrieron una fuga anastomótica.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.AJUSTE:Base de datos del Programa Nacional de Mejora de la Calidad Quirúrgica del Colegio Estadounidense de Cirujanos de 2015 a 2017.PACIENTES:Pacientes con diagnóstico de neoplasia de colon sometidos a colectomía electiva durante el período de estudio.PRINCIPAL MEDIDA DE RESULTADO:Fuga anastomótica, falta de rescate.RESULTADOS:Se identificaron 30.180 colectomías electivas por neoplasia. La tasa de fuga fue del 2,9% (n = 880). En comparación con los pacientes no frágiles, los pacientes frágiles tenían mayores probabilidades de fuga anastomótica para (puntuación de fragilidad = 1: OR = 1,34, IC del 95%: 1,10-1,63; puntuación de fragilidad = 2: OR = 1,32, IC del 95%: 1,04- 1,68; puntuación de fragilidad = 3: OR 2,41; IC del 95%: 1,47-3,96). Después de una fuga anastomótica, en comparación con un paciente no frágil, una mayor proporción de pacientes frágiles experimentó mortalidad (3,4% frente a 5,9%), choque séptico (16,1% frente a 21,0%), infarto de miocardio (1,1% frente a 2,9%) y neumonía (6,8% vs 11,8%). Además, las probabilidades de mortalidad, choque séptico, infarto de miocardio y neumonía aumentaron en pacientes frágiles con puntuaciones de fragilidad más altas.LIMITACIONES:Posible sesgo de clasificación errónea debido a la falta de una definición estricta de fuga anastomótica, diseño retrospectivo del estudio.CONCLUSIÓN:Los pacientes frágiles sometidos a colectomía por neoplasia de colon tienen un mayor riesgo de una fuga anastomótica. Además, una vez que ocurre una fuga, son más vulnerables a fallas en el rescate. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B784.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preoperative Frailty Instruments Derived From Electronic Health Data

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a strong predictor of adverse outcomes in the perioperative period. Given the increasing availability of electronic medical data, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis with primary objectives of describing available frailty instruments applied to electronic data and synthesizing their prognostic value. Our secondary objectives were to assess the construct validity of frailty instruments that have been applied to perioperative electronic data and the feasibility of electronic frailty assessment.

METHODS

Following protocol registration, a peer-reviewed search strategy was applied to Medline, Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Cochrane databases, and the Comprehensive Index to Nursing and Allied Health literature from inception to December 31, 2019. All stages of the review were completed in duplicate. The primary outcome was mortality; secondary outcomes included nonhome discharge, health care costs, and length of stay. Effect estimates adjusted for baseline illness, sex, age, procedure, and urgency were of primary interest; unadjusted and adjusted estimates were pooled using random-effects models where appropriate or narratively synthesized. Risk of bias was assessed.

RESULTS

Ninety studies were included; 83 contributed to the meta-analysis. Frailty was defined using 22 different instruments. In adjusted data, frailty identified from electronic data using any instrument was associated with a 3.57-fold increase in the odds of mortality (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.68-4.75), increased odds of institutional discharge (odds ratio [OR], 2.40; 95% CI, 1.99-2.89), and increased costs (ratio of means, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.46-1.63). Most instruments were not multidimensional, head-to-head comparisons were lacking, and no feasibility data were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty status derived from electronic data provides prognostic value as it is associated with adverse outcomes, even after adjustment for typical risk factors. However, future research is required to evaluate multidimensional instruments and their head-to-head performance and to assess their feasibility and clinical impact.

Impact of frailty on 5-year survival in patients older than 70 years undergoing colorectal surgery for cancer

BACKGROUND

Frailty has been shown to be a good predictor of post-operative complications and death in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences between frail and non-frail patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery, as well as the impact of frailty on long-term survival in these patients.

METHODS

A cohort of 149 patients aged 70 years and older who underwent elective surgery for colorectal cancer was followed-up for at least 5 years. The sample was divided into two groups: frail and non-frail patients. The Canadian Study of Health and Aging-Clinical Frailty Scale (CSHA-CFS) was used to detect frailty. The two groups were compared with regard to demographic data, comorbidities, functional and cognitive statuses, surgical risk, surgical variables, tumor extent, and post-operative outcomes, which were mortality at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year after the procedure. Univariate and multivariate analyses were also performed to determine which of the predictive variables were related to 5-year survival.

RESULTS

Out of the 149 patients, 96 (64.4%) were men and 53 (35.6%) were women, with a median age of 75 years (IQR 72-80). According to the CSHA-CFS scale, 59 (39.6%) patients were frail, and 90 (60.4%) patients were not frail. Frail patients were significantly older and had more impaired cognitive status, worse functional status, more comorbidities, more operative mortality, and more serious complications than non-frail patients. Comorbidities, as measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (p = 0.001); the Lawton-Brody Index (p = 0.011); failure to perform an anastomosis (p = 0.024); nodal involvement (p = 0.005); distant metastases (p < 0.001); high TNM stage (p = 0.004); and anastomosis dehiscence (p = 0.013) were significant univariate predictors of a poor prognosis on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis of long-term survival, with adjustment for age, frailty, comorbidities and TNM stage, showed that comorbidities (p = 0.002; HR 1.30; 95% CI 1.10-1.54) and TNM stage (p = 0.014; HR 2.06; 95% CI 1.16-3.67) were the only independent risk factors for survival at 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty is associated with poor short-term post-operative outcomes, but it does not seem to affect long-term survival in older patients with colorectal cancer. Instead, comorbidities and tumor stage are good predictors of long-term survival.

Frailty assessment and postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing general surgery

BACKGROUND

Frailty is an emerging concept in modern general surgery because of its correlation with adverse outcomes. More frail older patients are undergoing general surgery due to the rapid aging of the population and the effect of the "baby boom" generation. However, there is no consensus on the definition of frailty and on ways to assess its severity and effect.

PURPOSE

To describe the definition and epidemiology, measurement tools, and the effect of frailty on postoperative outcomes after general surgery.

METHODS

PubMed and Google Scholar databases were comprehensively searched.

RESULTS

Frailty is a syndrome defined as increased vulnerability to stressors due to a decline in physiological function and reserve among organ systems, resulting in adverse outcomes. Numerous tools have been described and tested for frailty measurement, but the ideal clinical tool has not been found yet. The evidence from cohort studies and meta-analyses shows associations between preoperative frailty and adverse perioperative outcomes after general surgery.

CONCLUSION

Frailty is an essential concept in general surgery. However, further studies have to identify the optimal way to preoperatively assess frailty and risk-stratify older patients.

Frailer Patients Undergoing Robotic Colectomies for Colon Cancer Experience Increased Complication Rates Compared With Open or Laparoscopic Approaches

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive surgical techniques are routinely promoted as alternatives to open surgery because of improved outcomes. However, the impact of robotic surgery on certain subsets of the population, such as frail patients, is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to examine the association between frailty and minimally invasive surgical approaches with colon cancer surgery.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected outcomes data. Thirty-day surgical outcomes were compared by frailty and surgical approach using doubly robust multivariable logistic regression with propensity score weighting, and testing for interaction effects between frailty and surgical approach.

SETTING

Patients undergoing an open, laparoscopic, or robotic colectomy for primary colon cancer, 2012 to 2016, were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

PATIENTS

Patients undergoing a colectomy with an operative indication for primary colon cancer were selected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes measured were 30-day postoperative complications.

RESULTS

After propensity score weighting of patients undergoing colectomy, 33.8% (n = 27,649) underwent an open approach versus 34.3% (n = 28,058) underwent laparoscopic surgery versus 31.9% (n = 26,096) underwent robotic surgery. Robotic (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.42-0.69, p < 0.001) and laparoscopic (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.52-0.66, p < 0.001) surgeries were independently associated with decreased rates of major complications. Frailer patients had increased complication rates (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.07-2.25, p = 0.018). When considering the interaction effects between surgical approach and frailty, frailer patients undergoing robotic surgery were more likely to develop a major complication (combined adjusted OR, 3.15; 95% CI, 1.34-7.45, p = 0.009) compared with patients undergoing open surgery.

LIMITATIONS

Use of the modified Frailty Index as an associative proxy for frailty was a limitation of this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Although minimally invasive surgical approaches have decreased postoperative complications, this effect may be reversed in frail patients. These findings challenge the belief that robotic surgery provides a favorable alternative to open surgery in frail patients. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B163. LOS PACIENTES MÁS FRÁGILES SOMETIDOS A COLECTOMÍA ROBÓTICA POR CÁNCER DE COLON EXPERIMENTAN MAYORES TASAS DE COMPLICACIONES EN COMPARACIÓN CON ABORDAJES LAPAROSCÓPICO O ABIERTO: Las técnicas quirúrgicas mínimamente invasivas estan frecuentement promovidas como alternativas a la cirugía abierta debido a sus mejores resultados. Sin embargo, el impacto de la cirugía robótica en ciertos subgrupos de población, como el caso de los pacientes endebles, es poco conocido.El propósito de nuestro estudio fue examinar la asociación entre la fragilidad de los pacientes y el aborgaje quirúrgico mínimamente invasivo para la cirugía de cáncer de colon.Estudio retrospectivo de datos de resultados recolectados prospectivamente. Los resultados quirúrgicos a 30 días se compararon entre fragilidad y abordaje quirúrgico utilizando la regresión logística multivariable doblemente robusta con ponderación de puntaje de propensión y pruebas de efectos de interacción entre fragilidad y abordaje quirúrgico.Los pacientes identificados en la base de datos del Programa Nacional de Mejora de la Calidad Quirúrgica del Colegio Estadounidense de Cirujanos, que fueron sometidos a una colectomía abierta, laparoscópica o robótica por cáncer de colon primario, de 2012 a 2016.Todos aquellos pacientes seleccionados con indicación quirúrgica de cáncer primario de colon que fueron sometidos a una colectomía.Las complicaciones postoperatorias a 30 días.Luego de ponderar el puntaje de propensión de los pacientes colectomizados, el 33.8% (n = 27,649) fué sometido a laparotomía versus el 34.3% (n = 28,058) operados por laparoscopía versus el 31.9% (n = 26,096) operados con tecnica robótica. Las cirugías robóticas (OR 0.53, IC 95% 0.42-0.69, p < 0.001) y laparoscópicas (OR 0.58, IC 95% 0.52-0.66, p < 0.001) se asociaron de forma independiente con una disminución de las tasas de complicaciones mayores. Los pacientes más delicados tenían mayores tasas de complicaciones (OR 1.56, IC 95% 1.07-2.25, p = 0.018). Al considerar los efectos de interacción entre el abordaje quirúrgico y la fragilidad, los pacientes más débiles sometidos a cirugía robótica tenían más probabilidades de desarrollar una complicación mayor (OR ajustado combinado 3.15, IC 95% 1.34-7.45, p = 0.009) en comparación con los pacientes sometidos a cirugía abierta.El uso del índice de fragilidad modificado como apoderado asociativo de la fragilidad.Si bien los abordajes quirúrgicos mínimamente invasivos han disminuido las complicaciones postoperatorias, este efecto puede revertirse en pacientes lábiles. Estos hallazgos desafían la creencia de que la cirugía robótica proporciona una alternativa favorable a la cirugía abierta en pacientes frágiles. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B163. (Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo).

Optimizing Patient Selection for Laparoscopic and Open Colorectal Cancer Resections: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program–Matched Analysis

The aim of this study was to identify patients undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) resection who might benefit specifically from either an open or laparoscopic approach. From the NSQIP database (2012–2013), patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy (LC) or open colectomy (OC) for CRC were identified. The two groups were matched and compared in terms of any, medical, and surgical complications. A wide range of patient characteristics were collected and analyzed. Interaction analysis was performed in a multivariable regression model to identify risk factors that may make LC or OC more beneficial in certain subgroups of patients. Overall, OC (n = 6593) was associated with a significantly higher risk of any [odds ratio (OR) 2.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.87–2.20], surgical (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.82–2.16), and medical (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.51–1.94) complications than LC (n = 6593). No subgroup of patients benefited from an open approach. Patients with obesity (BMI > 30) (P = 0.03) and older age (>65 years) (P = 0.01) benefited more than average from a laparoscopic approach. For obese patients, LC was associated with less overall complications (OC vs LC: OR 1.92 obese vs 1.21 nonobese patients). For elderly patients, LC was more preferable regarding the risk of medical complications (OC vs LC OR of 1.91 vs 1.34 for younger patients). No subgroup of CRC patients benefited specifically more from an open colorectal resection. This supports that the laparoscopic technique should be performed whenever feasible. For the obese and elderly patients, the benefits of the laparoscopic approach were more pronounced.

Impact of frailty on outcomes in surgical patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Age has historically been used to predict negative post-surgical outcomes. The concept of frailty was introduced to explain the discrepancies that exist between patients' chronological and physiological age. The efficacy of the modified frailty index (mFI) to predict surgical risk is not clear.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to synthesize the current literature to quantify the impact of frailty as a prognostic indicator across all surgical specialties.

DATA SOURCES

Pubmed and Cochrane databases were screened from inception to 1 January 2018.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies utilizing the modified Frailty Index (mFI) as a post-operative indicator of any type of surgery. The mFI was selected based on a preliminary search showing it to be the most commonly applied index in surgical cohorts.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Articles were selected via a two-stage process undertaken by two reviewers (AP and DS). Statistical analysis was performed in Revman (Review manager V5.3). The random-effects model was used to calculate the Risk Ratios (RR).

MAIN OUTCOME(S) AND MEASURE(S)

The primary outcomes: post-operative complications, re-admission, re-operation, discharge to a skilled care facility, and mortality.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis of 16 studies randomizes 683,487 patients, 444,885 frail, from gastrointestinal, vascular, orthopedic, urogenital, head and neck, emergency, neurological, oncological, cardiothoracic, as well as general surgery cohorts. Frail patients were more likely to experience complications (RR 1.48, 95%CI 1.35-1.61; p < 0.001), major complications (RR 2.03, 95%CI 1.26-3.29; p = 0.004), and wound complications (RR 1.52, 95%CI 1.47-1.57; p < 0.001). Furthermore, frail patients had higher risk of readmission (RR 1.61, 95%CI 1.44-1.80; p < 0.001) and discharge to skilled care (RR 2.15, 95%CI 1.92-2.40; p < 0.001). Notably, the risk of mortality was 4.19 times more likely in frail patients (95% CI 2.96-5.92; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

and Relevance: This study is the first to synthesize the evidence across multiple surgical specialties and demonstrates that the mFI is an underappreciated prognostic indicator that strongly correlates with the risk of post-surgical morbidity and mortality. This supports that formal incorporation of pre-operative frailty assessment improves surgical decision-making.

The Surgical Apgar Score and frailty as outcome predictors in short- and long-term evaluation of fit and frail older patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy - a prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Frailty increases the risk of poor surgical outcomes in the older population. Some intraoperative factors may also influence the final result and can be evaluated. The Surgical Apgar Score (SAS) is a simple system predicting postoperative mortality and morbidity. However, the utility of the SAS remains unknown in fit and frail older patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to benign gallbladder diseases.

AIM

To evaluate the usefulness of the SAS in predicting 30-day morbidity and 1-year mortality in older fit and frail patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Consecutive patients (≥ 70 years) were enrolled in the prospective study. The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) was used to diagnose frailty. Logistic regression was conducted to investigate the association between the scores and the outcomes.

RESULTS

The study included 144 consecutive older patients with a median age of 76 (range: 70-91) years. The prevalence of frailty was 44.4%. The 30-day mortality and morbidity were 0% and 11.8%, respectively. The 1-year mortality was 6.3% and 7 out of 9 occurred in the frail group. SAS < 7 points was identified as an independent predictor of 30-day postoperative morbidity (OR = 5.1; 95% CI: 1.5-18.1). Age > 85 years (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2-16.4) and frailty (OR = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.1-19.3) were predictors of 1-year mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be safely performed in older fit and frail patients. The SAS, not age, turned out to be the most important predictor of 30-day morbidity. Frailty and age > 85 years were predictors of 1-year mortality. Older patients with SAS < 7 points should be followed meticulously in order to diagnose and treat potential complications early on.