EVALUATION OF POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS IN ELDERLY PATIENTS UNDERGOING PLASTIC SURGERY ACCORDING TO THE MODIFED CLAVIEN-DINDO CLASSIFICATION

Abstract

Aim: Although age is not encountered as a contraindication for surgery,performing the surgical procedures in shortest time possible is essential in orderto avoid complications and facilitate management of the coexisting comorbidities.The aim of this study is to determine the complication rates and to evaluate therisk factors according to the modified Clavien Dindo classification in elderly patientsover 80 years of age who received plastic and reconstructive surgery.Material and Method: 184 patients over 80 years of age who were treatedin the Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic between January 2015and December 2018 were included in the study. The diseases were examined infive different groups consisting of acute or chronic wound (pressuresores, diabeticwounds, vascular trauma, trauma, etc.), malignant skin tumors, benign skin tumors,craniomaxillofacial trauma and others (hand trauma, temporamandibular jointdysfunction,etc.).Results: When the complications were evaluated, it was observed that a total of50 patients had medical or surgical complications. According to the Dindo Clavienclassification, the most common complication was vascular compromise of flapsor wounds tha tnecessitated debridement application under local anesthesia in 17patients with stage IIIA. The total complication rate was 27.1%.Conclusion: Age is not a contraindication for the elderly in cases when plasticsurgery procedures should be performed. Evaluating comorbidities and thepreoperative medical conditions delicately, choosing the appropriate anesthesiamethod and performing the shortest possible surgical procedure with the aimof shorten the duration of surgery is essential in order to reduce and preventpostoperative complications in elderly patients.