The Effect of Frailty Index on Early Outcomes after Combined Colorectal and Liver Resections

Background: Although previous studies have examined frailty as a potential predictor of adverse surgical outcomes, little is reported on its application. We sought to assess the impact of the 5-item modified frailty index (mFI) on morbidity in patients undergoing combined colorectal and liver resections. Methods: Adult patients who underwent combined colorectal and liver resections were identified using the ACS-NSQIP database (2005–2015). The 5-item mFI consists of history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, and partial/total dependence. Patients were stratified into three groups: mFI 0, 1, or ≥ 2. The impact of the mFI on primary outcomes (30-day overall and serious morbidity) was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Subgroup analyses by age and hepatectomy type was also performed. Results: A total of 1928 patients were identified: 55.1% with mFI = 0, 33.2% with mFI = 1, and 11.7% with mFI ≥ 2. 75.9% of patients underwent wedge resection/segmentectomy (84.6% colon, 15.4% rectum), and 24.1% underwent hemihepatectomy (88.8% colon, 11.2% rectum). On unadjusted analysis, patients with mFI ≥ 2 had significantly greater rates of overall and serious morbidity, regardless of age and hepatectomy type. These findings were consistent with the multivariable analysis, where patients with mFI ≥ 2 had increased odds of overall morbidity (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.02–1.96, p = 0.037) and were more than twice likely to experience serious morbidity (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.47–3.04, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The 5-item mFI is significantly associated with 30-day morbidity in patients undergoing combined colorectal and liver resections. It is a tool that can guide surgeons preoperatively in assessing morbidity risk in patients undergoing concomitant resections.