Risk factors of "loss of independence" in elderly patients who received gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Overall and minor (Clavien-Dindo classification [CD] 1, 2) complication rates were significantly higher in the high FI group, but the two groups had similar rates of major (CD ≥ 3) complications. The frequency of pneumonia was significantly higher in the high FI group. In univariate and multivariate analyses for LOI after surgery, high FI, older age (≥ 75 years), and major (CD ≥ 3) complications were independent risk factors. A risk score assigning 1 point for each of these variables was useful in predicting postoperative LOI (LOI: score 0, 7.4%; score 1, 18.2%; score 2, 43.9%; score 3, 100%; area under the curve [AUC] = 0.765.) CONCLUSIONS: LOI after gastrectomy was independently associated with high FI, older age (≥ 75 years), and major (CD ≥ 3) complications. A simple risk score assigning points for these factors was an accurate predictor of postoperative LOI. We propose that frailty screening should be applied for all elderly GC patients before surgery.