Preoperative Evaluation and Surgical Outcomes in Older Adults Undergoing Elective Laparoscopic Surgery

Abstract

Introduction: The aging of the population requires professionals responsible for the surgical treatment of older adults to perform a preoperative evaluation that guarantees not only excellent surgery but also patient safety.

Objective: To describe the preoperative evaluation and surgical outcomes in older adults undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery.

Methods: Descriptive, retrospective, consecutive series study of 105 older adults treated at the National Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery from January to March 2023. Demographic variables (age and sex), clinical variables (diagnosis and physical condition of the patient), and surgical variables (technique, surgical time, and length of stay) were studied.

Results: The median age was 69 years, with a predominance of females (71.4%) and preoperative ASA II assessment (72.4%). Gallstones (59.0%), inguinal hernia (15.4%), and gynecological conditions (12.4%) were the most frequent diagnoses, while laparoscopic cholecystectomy (60.0%), inguinal hernioplasty (17.1%), and gynecological surgery (12.4%) were the most frequently performed techniques. The median surgical time was 60.0 minutes. There was a complication rate of 2.9%, conversion and reoperation (1.0%), readmission (1.9%), and hospital stay of one day (73.3%) among older adults who underwent surgery.

Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery requires professionals who are experts in these procedures and a thorough, comprehensive, and personalized preoperative evaluation to ensure the success and safety of surgical treatment under the conditions necessary to improve the quality of life of older adults.