Association between Dysphagia and Surgical Outcomes across the Continuum of Frailty. Issue 2 (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cohen, Seth M.; Porter Starr, Kathryn N.; Risoli, Thomas; Lee, Hui-Jie; Misono, Stephanie; Jones, Harrison; Raman, Sudha
• Is Part Of: Journal of nutrition in gerontology and geriatrics. Volume 40:Issue 2/3(2021)
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 79
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: Dysphagia -- frailty -- surgery -- outcomes; Older people -- Nutrition -- Periodicals; Dietetics -- Periodicals; 613.2084605
• DOI: 10.1080/21551197.2021.1929644
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2155-1197

Abstract

Abstract: This study examined the relationship between dysphagia and adverse outcomes across frailty conditions among surgical patients ≥50 years of age. A retrospective cohort analysis of surgical hospitalizations in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample among patients ≥50 years of age undergoing intermediate/high risk surgery not involving the larynx, pharynx, or esophagus. Of 3, 298, 835 weighted surgical hospitalizations, dysphagia occurred in 1.2% of all hospitalizations and was higher in frail patients ranging from 5.4% to 11.7%. Dysphagia was associated with greater length of stay, higher total costs, increased non-routine discharges, and increased medical/surgical complications among both frail and non-frail patients. Dysphagia may be an independent risk factor for poor postoperative outcomes among surgical patients ≥50 years of age across frailty conditions and is an important consideration for providers seeking to reduce risk in vulnerable surgical populations.