Geriatric small bowel obstruction: an analysis of treatment and outcomes compared with a younger cohort.

BACKGROUND: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common condition, but little is known about its presentation, management, and outcomes in geriatric patients.

METHODS: A retrospective review was performed comparing geriatric (≥65 years of age) and nongeriatric patients admitted with SBO. Admission characteristics, treatment, and outcomes were compared. Data analysis included Student t test and chi-square test or Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS: Among 80 geriatric and 136 nongeriatric patients, no difference was observed among admission characteristics, treatment, time to or type of surgery, length of postoperative stay, or overall complications. Cardiac complications (15% vs 0%, P = .0082) and subacute care facility discharge (29% vs 5%, P < .001) were more common for geriatric patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Compared with younger adults, elderly patients with SBO have similar presentations and overall outcomes with the exception of cardiac morbidity and discharge disposition. Preoperative attention to cardiac risk profile and discharge disposition discussion should be encouraged.