Emergency hernia repair in the elderly: multivariate analysis of morbidity and mortality from an Italian registry.

259 patients were recruited, mean age was 80 years. A direct repair without mesh was performed in 62 (23.9%) patients. Explorative laparotomy was performed in 56 (21.6%) patients and bowel resection was necessary in 44 (17%). Mortality occurred in seven (2.8%) patients. Fifty-five (21.2%) patients developed complications, 12 of whom had a major one. At univariate and multivariate analyses, Charlson's comorbidity index ≥ 6, altered mental status, and need for laparotomy were associated with major complications and mortality CONCLUSION: Emergency surgery for complicated hernia is burdened by high morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. Preoperative comorbidity played a pivotal role in predicting complications and mortality and therefore Charlson's comorbidity index could be adopted to select patients for elective operation.