Predictors of Postoperative Complications in COVID-19 Patients Undergoing Emergency Abdominal Surgeries

Abstract

Aim: The rapid spread of COVID-19 worldwide has also caused an increase in the incidence of postoperative complications in surgical patients. Clearly, COVID-19 positivity may affect postoperative complications in patients undergoing emergency surgeries. This study aimed to evaluate the factors predictive of postoperative complications in COVID-19 patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgeries. Material and Methods: Fifty-two patients who underwent emergency abdominal surgeries and were positive for COVID-19 via a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test within 72 h of the perioperative period were evaluated retrospectively. Results: The median age of the patients included in the study was 50.5 years (range: 18–83 years). The 30-day mortality rate was 15.4%, while the postoperative complication rate was 23.1%. A significant correlation was found between postoperative complication status and age (p = 0.003) and between postoperative complication status and preoperative hemoglobin levels (p = 0.001). The evaluation of age and hemoglobin together showed a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 87.5% for postoperative complications (p < 0.001, AUC: 0.867). In addition, a negative correlation was found between preoperative hemoglobin levels and length of hospital stay (p < 0.001). Conclusion: COVID-19-positive patients who undergo emergency abdominal surgeries face a significant risk of postoperative complications. An advanced age and low hemoglobin levels may be predictors of postoperative complications in this group of patients.