Pro: Can we influence postoperative outcomes of frail patients after cardiac surgery?

ABSTRACT

A significant proportion of cardiac surgery patients are frail. The first step to improve outcomes is recognizing that despite reduced postoperative mortality in cardiac surgery, postoperative morbidity remains high, most likely due to more frail patients undergoing surgeries. Moving from a traditional to a patient-oriented outcome paradigm could improve decision-making and help achieve treatment goals relevant to frail patients, such as quicker recovery, symptom control, and strategies to reduce postoperative complications. Frailty recognition can prompt preoperative and postoperative interventions. Exercise programs and nutrition optimization support frail patients in the perioperative period and positively alter outcomes.