Use of the Barthel index, activities of daily living, in dermatologic surgery in patients aged 80 years and older

BackgroundDermatologists often attend elderly patients with non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). There is a lack of information regarding the optimum treatment for elderly patients with NMSC. MethodsThe objective of this study was to describe changes in the Barthel Index (BI) after dermatologic surgery for NMSC in patients aged 80 years and older. A prospective observational study was carried out in patients aged 80 years and older diagnosed with NMSC and treated with conventional dermatologic surgery. BI was performed by direct interview with the patients and/or their caregiver before the surgery, seven and 30 days after the surgery. ResultsA total of 180 dermatologic surgeries were performed in 144 patients. The average age of the patients was 84.2 years. There were 84 men (58.3%) and 60 women (41.7%). Mean BI score was 85.9 at baseline, 85.3 on day 7 after surgery, and 85.6 on day 30, showing minimal changes after dermatologic surgery. Changes in the BI occurred mainly in dressing, toilet use, transfers, mobility (on level surfaces) and walking stairs. ConclusionsActivities of daily living were not significantly affected in patients aged 80 years and older, after dermatologic surgery for NMSC.