Factors Associated with Perioperative Complications in Geriatric Patients: Experiences from a University Hospital
Chau-in W, MD1,3, Kajadparn N, MD1, Sawanyawisuth K, MD2,3, Chanthawong S, RN1, Uppan K, RN1, Jitjak M, RN1
Affiliation : 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 3 North-Eastern Stroke Research Group, Sleep Apnea Research Group, Research Center in Back, Neck and Other Joint Pain and Human Performance, Research and Training Center for Enhancing Quality of Life of Working Age People and Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (RCEID), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Objective : Older patients are at a higher risk of complications and mortality when administered anesthesia. Factors associated with
anesthetic complications in elderly patients are limited; particularly in large sample size.
Materials and Methods: The present study retrospectively reviewed all patients 65 years and older who received anesthetic
procedures at University Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. The study period was from January 2010 through December
2011. Data were retrieved from medical charts and anesthetic records. Factors associated with perioperative complications were
analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results : There were 3,621 patients aged 65 years and older who received anesthesia during the study period. The average age was
73 years (SD 6.2) and 52% of patients were male. There were 10 factors associated with having perioperative complications
including female gender, history of sulfa allergy, history of coronary artery disease, low platelet, history of hypertension, operation
time more than 2 hours, combination of general and regional anesthesia, perianal operation, and orthopedic/plastic surgery.
Conclusion : Elderly patients with risk factors for anesthetic complications should be aware during and post anesthetic periods.
Keywords : Complications, Anesthesia, Elderly, Risk factors
