The Thai Anesthesia Incidents Study (THAI Study) of Perioperative Death in Geriatric Patients
Oraluxna Rodanant MD*, Thanoo Hintong MD**, Waraporn Chua-in MD***, Surasak Tanudsintum MD****, Chomchaba Sirinan MD*****, Oranuch Kyokong MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Anesthesiology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok ** Department of Anesthesiology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai *** Department of Anesthesiology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen **** Department of Anesthesiology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine ***** Department of Anesthesiology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Background : The study was part of the Thai Anesthesia Incidents Study (THAI Study), a multi-centered study
conducted by the Royal College of Anesthesiologists of Thailand, aiming to survey anesthetic related compli-
cations in Thailand.
Objective : Identify the incidence and factors related to perioperative death in geriatric patients.
Materials and Methods : During a 12 months period (March 1, 2003 – February 28, 2004), a prospective
multicenter descriptive study conducted in 20 hospitals comprising of seven university, five tertiary, four
general and four district hospitals across Thailand. Anesthesia personnel filled up patient-related data,
surgical-related, and anesthesia related variables and adverse outcomes of geriatric patients (age > 65 yr) on
a structured data entry form. The data were collected during pre-anesthetic, intra-operative, and 24 hr post
operative periods.
Results : The overall mortality was 39.3 per 10,000 anesthetics from the registry of 23,899 geriatric patients
receiving anesthesia. Multiple regression analysis showed that higher American Society of Anesthesiologists
(ASA) physical status grading (p < 0.001), emergency operation (p = 0.031) and current medications (p =
0.043) were factors related to 24 hr perioperative death in geriatric patients. Patient’s underlying diseases
and duration of operations were not significantly related to death.
Conclusion : The present study showed an incidence of 24-hr perioperative death of 1: 254 in geriatric
patients receiving anesthesia, which is comparable to other countries. Mortality in elderly patients operated
under anesthesia can be predicted by ASA physical status, current medications, and emergency condition.
Keywords : Anesthesia, incidence, Geriatric, Perioperative death, Mortality rate, Complication
