Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Göğüs, Kalp ve Damar Cerrahisi Anabilim Dalı, Isparta
Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Kardiyoloji Anabilim Dalı, Isparta
Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Anesteziyoloji ve Reanimasyon Anabilim Dalı, Isparta Aim of this study to evaluate morbidity and mortality after open heart surgery in older patients. Questions are frequently raised regarding aggressive surgical management of the elderly with heart disease. Many publications have shown the relative safety and short-term benefits of heart surgery in the elderly. This was a retrospective study of 106 patients, who were 65 of age or older at the time of surgery. The data collected at baseline, before surgery, included demographics, type of surgery (coronary artery bypass surgery, valve replacement, and another open cardiac operation), status at surgery (elective, or emergent}, laboratory values, such as creatinine, and clinical co- morbidities. The comorbid conditions studied included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, cerebral vascular disease, and chronic renal insufficiency. The mean age of all patients (n-106) was 67.50 years at the time of surgery. Overall, 75.47% had coronary artery bypass grafting, 10.38% had aortic valve replacement, 9.44% had mitral valve replacement, and 4.71% had a other open cardiac operation. Regarding urgency of operation, 89.62% were considered elective, and 10.38% emergent. Length of total intensive care unit and hospital stay was 2.5±0.70 and 7.00+O.OQ days. Operative mortality occurred in 6 patients (5.66%). Operative mortality was caused by cerebral vascular complications in 2 patients, myocardial infarction in one patient, congestive cardiac failure in one patient, respiratory insufficiency in one patient, and multiorgan failure in one patient. Our data match the results of similar studies involving large numbers of patients. Open-heart surgery in the elderly patients an acceptable mortality risk and its effectiveness in terms of quality of life is good. Keywords : Open heart surgery, elderly, survival, mortality, morbidity, outcomes