Open AccessThe impact of comorbidities on post-operative complications following colorectal cancer surgery
Author(s) -
David Flynn,
Derek Mao,
Stephanie T. Yerkovich,
Robert Franz,
Harish Iswariah,
Andrew Hughes,
Ian Shaw,
Diana Tam,
Manju D Chandrasegaram
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0243995
Subject(s) - medicine , colorectal cancer , comorbidity , multivariate analysis , atrial fibrillation , retrospective cohort study , surgery , univariate analysis , cancer , complication , population , environmental health
Background Colorectal cancer surgery is complex and can result in severe post-operative complications. Optimisation of surgical outcomes requires a thorough understanding of the background complexity and comorbid status of patients. Aim The aim of this study is to determine whether certain pre-existing comorbidities are associated with high grade post-operative complications following colorectal cancer surgery. The study also aims to define the prevalence of demographic, comorbid and surgical features in a population undergoing colorectal cancer resection. Method A colorectal cancer database at The Prince Charles Hospital was established to capture detailed information on patient background, comorbidities and clinicopathological features. A single-centre retrospective study was undertaken to assess the effect of comorbidities on post-operative outcomes following colorectal cancer resection. Five hundred and thirty-three patients were reviewed between 2010–2018 to assess if specific comorbidities were associated with higher grade post-operative complications. A Clavien-Dindo grade of three or higher was defined as a high grade complication. Results Fifty-eight percent of all patients had an ASA grade of ASA III or above. The average BMI of patients undergoing resection was 28 ± 6.0. Sixteen percent of all patients experienced a high grade complications. Patients with high grade complications had a higher mean average age compared to patients with low grade or no post-operative complications (74 years vs 70 years, p = 0.01). Univariate analysis revealed patients with atrial fibrillation, COPD, ischaemic heart disease and heart failure had an increased risk of high grade complications. Multivariate analysis revealed pre-existing atrial fibrillation (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.53–4.89, p <0.01) and COPD (OR 2.02 1.07–3.80, p = 0.029) were independently associated with an increased risk of high grade complications. Conclusion Pre-existing atrial fibrillation and COPD are independent risk factors for high grade complications. Targeted perioperative management is necessary to optimise outcomes.