Publication:

Surgical stress markers for postoperative complications: a prospective prognostic factor study

Background Postoperative complications have previously been defined as “deviation from the normal postoperative course”. Although surgical advancements have reduced the postoperative mortality over the last few decades, the postoperative morbidity has remained high. Multiple factors as well as the severity of the surgical procedure itself are associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. Having prognostic factors established and available to assist with prognosis would be helpful in treatment planning and decision-making in post-operative patients. Objective of the study was to assess surgical stress markers as potential prognostic factors for postoperative complications.

Methods This is a prospective cohort study conducted in department of general surgery over a period of 4 months. A total of 120 patients were included in the study. Data entry and statistical analysis were done using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 23. Chi-square test was used. Area under curve (AUC) and logistic regression were applied and odd’s ratio was calculated in 95% confidence interval.

Results Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels done at 72 hours, ALB levels at 24 hours were most predictive postoperative levels compared to the other perioperative serum levels.

Conclusions Elevated serum CRP, albumin were associated with infective and non-infective complications and longer length of hospital stay and duration of the procedure.