Identification of the Risk Factors of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Elderly Patients Undergoing Elective Colorectal Surgery

Objective This study was to identify the perioperative related risk factors of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in elderly patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery, which will provide new insight for better prevention and intervention of PPCs in elderly patients. Methods A retrospective study involving 445 patients (age >= 65), who registered in Shengjing Hospital affiliated to China Medical University for elective colorectal surgery from October 2014 to March 2017, was conducted. Clinical data, including demographic information, medical history, preoperative examination, and surgery-related factors, were analyzed and compared between the patient group with PPCs and the group without PPCs. t-test or chi(2) test was performed for statistical analysis between the 2 groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was further employed to identify the potential independent risk factors of PPCs. Results Among the 445 patients enrolled in the study, 49 (11%) had PPCs, while 396 (89%) did not. The main risk factors of PPC occurrence in the elderly patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery included older age (age >= 75 years), ASA >II, hypertension, myocardial ischemia, basic pulmonary diseases, laparotomy, blood transfusion, preoperative hemoglobin <100 g/L, and albumin <35 g/L. Laparotomy (compared with laparoscope) and ASA >II were independent risk factors for the increased incidence of PPCs. Conclusion More attention should be paid to patients with older age and ASA >II in elective colorectal surgery. Choice of laparoscopic operation, proper treatment of hypertension, myocardial ischemia, basic pulmonary diseases, and correction of anemia and nutritional status can effectively reduce the incidence of PPCs. An adequate and comprehensive evaluation of the potential risk factors related to PPCs is required before surgery.