Risk factors of "loss of independence" in elderly patients who received gastrectomy for gastric cancer

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to clarify the risk of loss of independence (LOI) following gastrectomy in elderly patients with gastric cancer (GC).MethodsIn this prospective study, frailty was assessed preoperatively by a frailty index (FI) in 243 patients aged >= 65 years who underwent gastrectomy for GC between August 2016 and December 2020. Patients were assigned into two groups (high FI vs. low FI) to investigate frailty and the risk of LOI after gastrectomy for GC.ResultsOverall and minor (Clavien-Dindo classification [CD] 1, 2) complication rates were significantly higher in the high FI group, but the two groups had similar rates of major (CD >= 3) complications. The frequency of pneumonia was significantly higher in the high FI group. In univariate and multivariate analyses for LOI after surgery, high FI, older age (>= 75 years), and major (CD >= 3) complications were independent risk factors. A risk score assigning 1 point for each of these variables was useful in predicting postoperative LOI (LOI: score 0, 7.4%; score 1, 18.2%; score 2, 43.9%; score 3, 100%; area under the curve [AUC] = 0.765.)ConclusionsLOI after gastrectomy was independently associated with high FI, older age (>= 75 years), and major (CD >= 3) complications. A simple risk score assigning points for these factors was an accurate predictor of postoperative LOI. We propose that frailty screening should be applied for all elderly GC patients before surgery.