Preoperative assessment using the five-factor modified frailty index: A call for standardized preoperative assessment and prehabilitation services in gynecologic oncology.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if the 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI) is associated with postoperative complications, readmissions or non-home discharge in gynecologic cancer patients undergoing surgery.

METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of gynecologic cancer (cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer) who underwent surgery between 2014 and 2018 were identified through the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. The 5-factor mFI was applied and patients classified into 6 categories (mFI groups 0,1,2, 3, 4 and 5). The incidence of 30-day complications, readmissions and non-home discharge was evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the association between mFI category and readmissions/ complications. Adjusted probabilities of events were calculated based on patient characteristics.

RESULTS

At total of 31,181 gynecologic cancer cases were included in the analysis: N = 2968 (9.4%) cervical, N = 20,862 (66.4%) uterine, and N = 7351 (23.4%) ovarian cancers. Of all patients, 46.1% were in category 0, 36.5% category 1, and 1% category 3-5. Factors associated with increased mFI included older age, African American race, laparoscopic surgery and obesity. A significant dose-response relationship between higher mFI and readmission and 30-day complications was noted on adjusted multivariable analysis (adjusted OR 2.37 (1.65-3.45) and 2.10 (1.59-2.75) for readmissions and complications, respectively, in mFI category 3-5). These associations were consistent within each cancer type.

CONCLUSIONS

The 5-factor mFI universally predicts postoperative readmissions, 30-day complications and non-home discharge in patients with gynecologic cancer. Incorporation of mFI into routine preoperative assessment can identify patients for non-surgical treatments, prehabiliatation and short term home assessments.