# CLINICAL AND SURGICAL DILEMMAS IN OCTOGENARIAN PATIENTS WITH SMALL BOWEL OBSTRUCTION

## TL;DR

This study finds that older patients (80+) undergoing surgery for small bowel obstruction face higher medical complications, longer hospital stays, and higher costs compared to younger patients.

## Contribution

The study provides Latin American evidence on the differences in outcomes and costs of SBO surgery in octogenarians versus younger patients.

## Key findings

- Octogenarians had significantly more medical complications (39.0%) compared to younger patients (22.5%).
- Hospital stays were longer for octogenarians (17.4 days) versus younger patients (11.0 days).
- Surgical costs were higher for octogenarians (USD 9,555) compared to younger patients (USD 4,214).

## Abstract

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a major problem in emergencies. Comorbidities increase morbimortality, which is reflected in higher costs. There is a lack of Latin American evidence comparing the differences in postoperative results and costs associated with SBO management.

To compare the risk of surgical morbimortality and costs of SBO surgery treatment in patients older and younger than 80 years.

Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with SBO at the University of Chile Clinic Hospital from January 2014 to December 2017. Patients with any medical treatment were excluded. Parametric statistics were used (a 5% error was considered statistically significant, with a 95% confidence interval).

A total of 218 patients were included, of which 18.8% aged 80 years and older. There were no differences in comorbidities between octogenarians and non-octogenarians. The most frequent etiologies were adhesions, hernias, and tumors. In octogenarian patients, there were significantly more complications (46.3 vs. 24.3%, p=0.007, p<0.050). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of surgical complications: 9.6% in <80 years and 14.6% in octogenarians (p=0.390, p>0.050). In medical complications, a statistically significant difference was evidenced with 22.5% in <80 years vs 39.0% in octogenarians (p=0.040, p<0.050). There were 20 reoperated patients: 30% octogenarians and 70% non-octogenarians without statistically significant differences (p=0.220, p>0.050). Regarding hospital stay, the average was significantly higher in octogenarians (17.4 vs. 11.0 days; p=0.005, p<0.050), and so were the costs, being USD 9,555 vs. USD 4,214 (p=0.013, p<0.050).

Patients aged 80 years and older with surgical SBO treatment have a higher risk of medical complications, length of hospital stay, and associated costs compared to those younger.