Preoperative assessment of frailty as predictor of perioperative outcome in form of hospital length of stay in elderly patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgeries

Research hypothesis

The implementation of the Vulnerable Elders Survey 13 (VES 13) frailty tool in the

preoperative assessment of geriatric surgical patients effectively identifies individuals at

increased risk of adverse postoperative outcomes. It is hypothesized that patients with a

VES-13 score more than equal to 3 will have a significantly higher incidence of postoperative

complications, prolonged hospital stay, and non-home discharge compared to those with

lower scores, enabling early risk stratification and targeted interventions. Aim: Assessment of the effect of frailty on perioperative outcomes in elderly patients

undergoing major orthopaedic

Primary objective

To assess the effect of Frailty on perioperative outcome, in the form of hospital length of

stay on elderly patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgical procedures at Dr.

RMLIMS, Lucknow

Secondary objective

To assess the effect of frailty on intra-op and post-op complications like post-op

requirement of mechanical ventilation, requirement of vasopressors

To assess the association with ASA grading

To assess the association of frailty with 30 day mortality

Primary outcome measures included

Postoperative outcome in form of increased hospital length of stay

Postoperative complications (e.g., infection, wound dehiscence, reoperation, ICU

transfer)

Discharge disposition (home, rehabilitation, or extended care)

In-hospital mortality.

Secondary outcomes included

Correlation between VES-13 scores and ASA grade,

Need for postoperative ICU admission,

Functional decline at discharge.

Significance of the study

By doing the study, we can assess beforehand which patients are going to stay longer in

the hospital, or have more days on mechanical ventilation, and have more chances of

complications or mortality, so we are able to prognosticate the patient pre-operatively.