Abstract

Our study aimed to investigate how anaesthesia methods affect the chances of dying, needing intensive care after surgery, having complications, and scores on a health scale called the Charlson Comorbidity Index in the growing number of older people. In our study were 299 patients. We recorded their demographic data, American Society of Anaesthesiology score, need for transfusions, operation time, Charlson Comorbidity Index scores, need for intensive care after surgery, postoperative complications, such as respiratory problems, low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, the number of days they stayed in the hospital and death rates. In our study, 195 patients (65.2%) were women. The average age was 73.9±7 years. No difference was found between the groups in terms of demographic data or Charlson Comorbidity Index scores. The patients who received spinal anaesthesia had shorter operation times and more hypotension. Overall, the factors affecting mortality were the American Society of Anaesthesiology score, cerebrovascular disease, cancer, embolisms, the need for postoperative intensive care, age, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, length of hospital stay, neutrophil, lymphocyte and albumin levels and operation duration. The data we obtained showed that mortality rates for patients receiving spinal or general anaesthesia were similar. However, the patients who received spinal anaesthesia needed less intensive care after surgery, had fewer complications, and had shorter hospital stays. Good care before and during surgery, careful monitoring after surgery, and proper pain relief can lower death rates and complications and reduce time in the hospital.

Key words: Geriatric patients, general anaesthesia, spinal anaesthesia, mortality