Advanced age is an independent predictor for increased morbidity and mortality after emergent surgery for diverticulitis

Background. The objectives of our study were to determine the association between age and postoperative outcomes after emergency surgery for diverticulitis and to identify risk factors for postoperative mortality among elderly patients. Methods. All patients from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2005-2009 Participant User Files undergoing emergent surgery for diverticulitis were included. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between age and postoperative morbidity and Mortality after adjustment for pen operative variables. A separate regression model was used to determine risk factors for postoperative mortality among elderly patients, with specific postoperative complications being included as potential predictors. Results. We included 2,264 patients for analysis, of whom 1,267 (56 %) were < 65 years old (nonelderly), 648 (28.6%) were 65-79 years old (elderly), and 349 (15.4%) were >= 80 years old (super-elderly). Advanced age was a significant predictor of 30-day postoperative mortality; and to a lesser extent postoperative morbidity. Among those patients >= 65 years old, super-elderly age classification remained a significant predictor of mortality after adjustment for the presence or absence of postoperative complications. Mortality among elderly and super-elderly patients was greatest in the setting of specific complications, such as septic shock, prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation, and acute renal failure. Conclusion. Advanced age is an independent risk factor for death after emergency surgery for diverticulitis, with mortality being greatest among elderly patients who experience certain postoperative complications. Prevention of these complications should form the cornerstone of initiatives designed to lower the mortality associated with emergency surgery in elderly patients. (Surgery 2012;152:465-72.)