Preoperative Falls Predict Postoperative Falls, Functional Decline, and Surgical Complications

Falls are common and linked to morbidity. Our objectives were to characterize postoperative falls, and determine whether preoperative falls independently predicted postoperative falls (primary outcome), functional dependence, quality of life, complications, and readmission. This prospective cohort study included 7982 unselected patients undergoing elective surgery. Data were collected from the medical record, a baseline survey, and follow-up surveys approximately 30days and one year after surgery. Fall rates (per 100 person-years) peaked at 175 (hospitalization), declined to 140 (30-day survey), and then to 97 (one-year survey). After controlling for confounders, a history of one, two, and ≥three preoperative falls predicted postoperative falls at 30days (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] 2.3, 3.6, 5.5) and one year (aOR 2.3, 3.4, 6.9). One, two, and ≥three falls predicted functional decline at 30days (aOR 1.2, 2.4, 2.4) and one year (aOR 1.3, 1.5, 3.2), along with in-hospital complications (aOR 1.2, 1.3, 2.0). Fall history predicted adverse outcomes better than commonly-used metrics, but did not predict quality of life deterioration or readmission. Falls are common after surgery, and preoperative falls herald postoperative falls and other adverse outcomes. A history of preoperative falls should be routinely ascertained. •Postoperative falls are common during hospitalization and after discharge and may be more prevalent in certain specialties.•Preoperative falls predict postoperative falls, postoperative functional decline, and in-hospital complications.•Ascertaining fall history is practical and informative, and should become routine. Surgery-related falls occur at a high rate both during hospitalization and after discharge, and they may be especially prevalent in certain surgical specialties. Preoperative falls are the main harbinger of postoperative falls, and also strongly predict postoperative functional decline and complications. Importantly, these findings appear to be true across all ages. Therefore, a history of falls before surgery is a useful tool that should be incorporated into routine preoperative assessment.