Peri-operative Variables Associated With Prolonged Intensive Care Stay Following Cytoreductive Surgery for Ovarian Cancer

BACKGROUND: Peri-operative variables associated with prolonged Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission following cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer were investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out of patients admitted to the ICU following cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer in a single tertiary referral centre from 2015-2019. Patients were categorized according to length of ICU stay (<48 h and ≥48 h), and peri-operative variables were compared across the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients were admitted to the ICU post-operatively, 37 for <48 h and 19 for ≥48 h (range=3-11 days). Greater duration of procedure and estimated blood loss, bowel resection, higher post-operative lactate level, lower post-operative albumin level and requirement for post-operative blood products were associated with prolonged ICU stay. Increased intraoperative fluid requirement was an independent predictor of extended ICU stay. CONCLUSION: Utilizing identified intra-operative risk factors to perform individualized risk assessments might improve planning of ICU resources. Optimizing intraoperative fluid management may improve short-term patient outcomes.