Short-term outcomes of inguinal hernia repair in octogenarians and nonagenarians

Background The objective of this study is to report the 30-day outcomes following inguinal hernia repair in octogenarians (80–89 years of age) and nonagenarians (≥90 years) using a large, prospective, multi-institutional database and to identify the individual risk factors associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Study design Patients aged 80 and above undergoing inguinal hernia repair were identified from the American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2007–2008). Univariate analysis was performed using chi square, Fisher’s exact test and t test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess factors associated with increased postoperative complications and mortality. Results Of 2,377 patients above 80 years of age, 226 (9.5 %) were nonagenarians. Men accounted for 81.4 % (1,936) of patients. There were significantly more female patients in the nonagenarian group (29.2 vs. 17.4 %, p