Importance of Frailty for Predicting Postoperative Complications of Colorectal Cancer in Patients ≥60 Years of Age

Abstract

Objection: The elderly population, which carries an increased risk of postoperative complications, is increasing in size. "Frailty" is a new concept for assessing the surgical risk in elderly patients. We analyzed the usefulness of assessing frailty for predicting postoperative complications in patients ≥ 60 years of age undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. Methods: We conducted this prospective evaluation in 65 colorectal cancer patients ≥ 60 years of age who were underwent surgery for colorectal cancer. As relatively simple tools to predict the risk of postoperative complications, we evaluated the performance status, Barthel index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, prognostic nutritional index and frailty. We also recorded the incidence of Grade ≥Ⅱ postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification. Results: A bivariate analysis showed that frailty was significantly associated with the risk of postoperative complications (p = 0.049). A multivariate analysis also identified frailty as being significantly associated with the risk of postoperative complications (p < 0.030). Conclusion: Assessment of frailty may be a useful tool for predicting the risk of postoperative complications in patients aged ≥ 60 years old.