RESUMEN
RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar la influencia de las complicaciones postoperatorias sobre los resultados clínicos en pacientes operados por cáncer torácico y gastrointestinal. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo de 179 pacientes consecutivos que fueron operados de tórax o vías digestivas por cáncer y admitidos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos oncológicos. Se evaluó la incidencia de las complicaciones postoperatorias mediante el Postoperative Morbidity Survey y su influencia sobre la mortalidad y estadía hospitalaria. Resultados: Se presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias en 54 sujetos (30,2%); las más frecuentes fueron las pulmonares (14,5%), el dolor (12,9%), las cardiovasculares (11,7%), las infecciosas (11,2%) y las de la herida quirúrgica (10,1%). En el análisis multivariado de regresión logística las complicaciones pulmonares (OR 18,68; IC95% 5,59 - 62,39; p < 0,0001), cardiovasculares (OR 5,06; IC95% 1,49 - 17,13; p = 0,009), gastrointestinales (OR 26,09; IC95% 6,80 - 100,16; p < 0,0001), infecciosas (OR 20,55; IC95% 5,99 - 70,56; p < 0,0001) y renales (OR 18,27; IC95% 3,88 - 83,35; p < 0,0001) se relacionaron de forma independiente con la mortalidad hospitalaria. La ocurrencia de al menos una complicación incrementó la probabilidad de permanecer hospitalizado (Log Rank test; p = 0,002). Conclusiones: Las complicaciones postoperatorias son trastornos frecuentes y asociados con malos resultados clínicos, por lo que se deben realizar cambios estructurales y de proceso para reducir la morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatorias.
ABSTRACT Objective: This study sought to determine the influence of postoperative complications on the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent thoracic and gastrointestinal cancer surgery. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted regarding 179 consecutive patients who received thorax or digestive tract surgery due to cancer and were admitted to an oncological intensive care unit. The Postoperative Morbidity Survey was used to evaluate the incidence of postoperative complications. The influence of postoperative complications on both mortality and length of hospital stay were also assessed. Results: Postoperative complications were found for 54 patients (30.2%); the most common complications were respiratory problems (14.5%), pain (12.9%), cardiovascular problems (11.7%), infectious disease (11.2%), and surgical wounds (10.1%). A multivariate logistic regression found that respiratory complications (OR = 18.68; 95%CI = 5.59 - 62.39; p < 0.0001), cardiovascular problems (OR = 5.06, 95%CI = 1.49 - 17.13; p = 0.009), gastrointestinal problems (OR = 26.09; 95%CI = 6.80 - 100.16; p < 0.0001), infectious diseases (OR = 20.55; 95%CI = 5.99 - 70.56; p < 0.0001) and renal complications (OR = 18.27; 95%CI = 3.88 - 83.35; p < 0.0001) were independently associated with hospital mortality. The occurrence of at least one complication increased the likelihood of remaining hospitalized (log-rank test, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Postoperative complications are frequent disorders that are associated with poor clinical outcomes; thus, structural and procedural changes should be implemented to reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality.