Evaluation of postoperative complications in the older population

Evaluation of the frequency and severity of postoperative complications is an integral part of establishing the clinical utility of a specific treatment. They define the possible consequences resulting from the chosen method of treatment, and thus the potential risks associated with this choice. Thanks to the analysis of complications, it is possible to evaluate patients’ safety, identify a problem in the course of surgery within a given hospital and surgical team or carry a financial analysis. Not only is the frequency of occurrence important, but so is the severity of complications. Therefore, in recent years we have seen the development of several new tools for assessing postoperative complications such as the Cla­vien-Dindo scale, the Accordion Severity Grading System, the Postoperative Morbidity Index or the Comprehensive Complication Index. Analysis of the above-mentioned scales may contribute to the development of clear algorithms for the management of older patients at increased risk of severe complications and higher mortality, which subsequently may lead to increased efficacy and safer treatment in this population.