Key result
Frailty significantly increased the risk of 30-day mortality (OR 2.83) in elderly patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery compared to non-frail patients.
Why the study?
While the negative impact of frailty is well established in elective surgical settings, its influence on outcomes following emergency abdominal surgery remains less clear.
Does frailty worsen postoperative mortality and complications in elderly patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery?
Comparison
Frail vs non-frail elderly patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery
Design
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors
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Frailty screening should inform perioperative risk stratification and care in elderly emergency abdominal surgery patients; confirms elevated short- and long-term mortality.
Meta-Analysis (n=1,750,195)
Yes
Does frailty worsen postoperative mortality and complications in elderly patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery?
Odds Ratio: 2.83 (95% CI 2.45–3.27)
p-value: p=<0.00001
Frailty is a significant predictor of worse postoperative outcomes, including increased mortality and morbidity, in elderly patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery.
Brincat et al. (2025) conducted a meta-analysis in Emergency abdominal surgery in older adults (n=1,750,195). Frailty vs. Non-frail was evaluated on 30-day postoperative mortality (OR 2.83, 95% CI 2.45-3.27, p=<0.00001). Frailty significantly increased the risk of 30-day mortality (OR 2.83) in elderly patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery compared to non-frail patients.
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