Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and Outcomes in Patients 75 Years of Age or Over

In this retrospective study we aimed to analyse preoperative risk factors, mortality and morbidity figures, early and midterm results of coronary bypass surgery in patients 75 years of age or over and, additionally, compared results with the lower age group (below 75 years). This review included 142 patients, out of a total 4745 patients who underwent coronary bypass between July 1992 and August 2001 (Group 1). The study group was compared with a randomly selected control group of patients below 75 years of age (Group 2).
RESULTS
Group 1 consisted of patients with a mean age of 76,6±2,3 years, while it was 56±3,7 years for the Group 2. There was no significant difference between the groups concerning preoperative risk factors, left ventricular function parameters and coronary artery disease involvement. Hospital stay, low cardiac-output and incidence of atrial fibrillation were found to be high in group 1. Also, hospital mortality for group 1 (4,2%) was higher than group 2 (1,4%, p=0,2). Actuarial survival rates were 95,7% in a mean period of 58,5±2,7 months for group 1 and 97,1% in 72,4±3,6 months for group 2 (p=0,5). In conclusion, when compared with younger patients, coronary bypass seems to be linked with early problems but still can be performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates.