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Patients with cirrhosis are at increased risk for complications after general surgery. In this retrospective study from Mayo Clinic, researchers determined predictors of postoperative mortality among 772 patients with cirrhosis who underwent major surgical procedures (586 abdominal; 107 orthopedic; 79 cardiovascular) between 1980 and 2004.
A model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score — a validated prognostic score for patients with cirrhosis, based on INR, serum bilirubin, and serum creatinine — was calculated for each patient. In a multivariable analysis, the MELD score, age, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class were significant predictors of postoperative mortality. These variables can be entered into a risk calculator…