Preoperative invasive evaluation in elderly patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery identified serious physiological problems requiring postponement or cancellation in 13% of cases.
Observational (n=100)
The extent of physiological disturbance in a preoperative population of 100 elderly patients scheduled for elective major surgery was measured. Haemodynamic, respiratory and renal function were evaluated preoperatively in the intensive care unit. Of these patients 13% had serious problems requiring either postponement of the operation (7%) or its cancellation (6%). Cardiac index was 2.2 l/min/m2 or less in 11% of patients; creatinine clearance 50 ml/min or less in 19% of patients; mean blood pressure was equal to or exceeded 120 mmHg in 15% of patients and intrapulmonary shunt equalled or exceeded 15% in 10% of patients. The mean duration of stay in the intensive care unit was four days, including the preoperative day. The logistics of preoperative admission were implemented without undue difficulty.
Older et al. (Tue,) conducted a observational in Elderly patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery (n=100). Preoperative invasive measurement of haemodynamic, respiratory and renal function was evaluated on Serious problems requiring postponement or cancellation of the operation. Preoperative invasive evaluation in elderly patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery identified serious physiological problems requiring postponement or cancellation in 13% of cases.