Predictors for developing multiple postop complications

Editor's Note

Nearly half of general surgery patients with postoperative complications have multiple complications, finds this study.

Of more than 470,000 patients in the analysis, the overall complication rate was 15%, with multiple complications in 27,032.

Strongest predictors for developing multiple complications were admission from chronic care facility or nursing home, dependent functional status, and higher ASA physical status.

The researchers concluded that patient factors such as frailty and comorbidity strongly predict the development of multiple complications.

Objectives: To evaluate the association between multiple complications and postoperative outcomes and to assess which complications occur together in patients with multiple complications. Background: Patients who suffer multiple complications have increased risk of prolonged hospital stay and mortality. However, little is known about what places patients at risk for multiple complications or which complications tend to occur in these patients.