Effect of Perioperative Factors on Short-Term Outcomes in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Over 60 Years of Age.

Background: People in China have gradually entered old age society, and the number of lung cancer cases is expected to increase annually among the elderly. This study aimed to retrospectively explore the association between perioperative factors and short-term outcomes in elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: A total of 490 elderly patients with NSCLC between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2009, were selected. Perioperative factors were grouped and analyzed according to postoperative complications (PPCs) and length of hospital stay. A logistic regression analysis model was used to screen for the independent predictors of patient prognosis. The primary endpoint was postoperative complications and the secondary endpoint was postoperative hospital stay.

Results: Of all patients, 344 (70.2%) developed postoperative complications, and the average length of stay after surgery was 14.0±5.6 days. Perioperative fentanyl equivalents>28.7μg/kg and duration of surgery>4.4h were associated were associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications (P < 0.05); intraoperative blood loss (IBL) > 200 mL was associated with extended hospital stay (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study suggested that Perioperative factors may affect the short-term prognosis of elderly NSCLC patients after surgery. Perioperative fentanyl equivalents>28.7μg/kg, surgery duration, and IBL may be independent predictors of short-term outcomes in elderly patients.