Nursing risk assessment of postoperative complications in patients aged over 75, qualified for cardiosurgery operations

Abstract

Aim

The aim of the work was to assess the risk of postoperative complications in patients aged over and under 75 undergoing cardiac surgery, with a view to optimize perioperative care and minimize the incidence of complications.

Material and methods

The retrospective study encompassed n=5,419 patients (1,822 women and 3,597 men), aged  16-103 (mean 63.3±11.6) who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2014. The patients were divided into: Group1  <75, n=4,583 (1,429 women and 3,154 men), aged   16-74 (mean 60.6 ±10.5) and Group2  ≥75, n=836 (393 women and 443 men), aged  75-103 (mean 78±3.0). The prevalence of cardiac and non-cardiac diseases in both groups was comparable.

Results

The following, statistically significant postoperative complications were observed in Group   ≥ 75: neurological  (14.4%),  predominantly  psychosis (8,1%); renal (11.4%) with creatinine increase >200mg% (9.5%); pulmonary (11.4%) with pleural fluid evacuation (6.3%); reoperation (10.4%),  mainly due to haemorrhage (5.6%), and gastrointestinal tract dysfunction, including intra-intestinal nutrition (9.7%).

Conclusions

1 / In patients> 75 years of age eligible for cardiac surgery, co-morbidity often occurs.
2 / Age, however, is not a contraindication for cardiac surgery, although it is an important risk factor for mortality and postoperative complications.
3 / Cardiac surgery for patients over 75 years of age is subject to a perioperative risk rating.