Predictors of postoperative overall and severe complications after surgical treatment for endometrial cancer: The role of the fragility index

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2020 Feb;148(2):174-180. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13020. Epub 2019 Nov 17.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of obesity, comorbidities, and fragility on overall and severe complication rate and survival among patients surgically treated for endometrial cancer.

Methods: Consecutive patients with endometrial cancer treated at the Royal Infirmary Hospital of Edinburgh from June 1, 2015, to June 30, 2017, were retrospectively enrolled in an observational study. Considering pre-existing medical conditions, comorbidities, and complications, modified fragility index (mFI) was calculated. Logistic regression was used to evaluate predicting variables of overall (G1-G4) and severe (G3-G4) complication rate.

Results: One hundred patients were surgically treated for endometrial cancer. Elevated mFI >3 was related to a statistically higher access rate to the high dependency unit (HDU) or intensive care unit (ITU) (33.3% vs 6.6%, P=0.013). Overall, 31 women had postoperative complications. Using multivariate analysis, it was shown that undergoing laparotomy (odds ratio [OR] 7.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.52-19.71; P<0.001) and having an mFI >3 (OR 7.19, 95% CI 1.43-36.25; P=0.021) were independent predictors of overall complications (G1-G4). Moreover, only smoking (OR 5.01, 95% CI 1.15-21.75; P=0.031) and mFI >3 (OR 5.16, 95% CI 1.07-24.94; P=0.047) were independent factors for severe complications (G3-G4).

Conclusion: Modified fragility index was an important predictor of complications among patients treated for endometrial cancer and could be a useful tool for assisting clinicians in perioperative management.

Keywords: Comorbidity; Endometrial cancer; Fragility index; Predictor of complications; Surgical Treatment; Treatment Related Morbidity.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / complications
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Female
  • Frailty / complications*
  • Frailty / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Laparotomy / adverse effects*
  • Logistic Models
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Period
  • Retrospective Studies