Operative details and complications
Operative details and complications are shown in Table 2. Ascending
aortic replacement was more likely in the elderly group (P =
0.065). Arch replacement was less likely in the elderly group, but there
was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.091). There
was no significant difference in aortic root replacement, concomitant
aortic valve replacement, and coronary artery bypass grafting between
the groups. Because of more ascending aortic replacement and less arch
replacement in the elderly group, pump run time, aortic cross-clamp
time, and operation time were significantly lower in the elderly group
(pump run time: P < 0.001; aortic cross-clamp time:P = 0.003; operation time: P < 0.001).
Among postoperative complications, stroke, pneumonia, mediastinitis,
intestinal ischemia, long-term intubation (>3 weeks), and
re-exploration for bleeding were not significantly different between the
groups. Frequency of postoperative temporary or permanent hemodialysis
were significantly lower in patients in the elderly group (P =
0.015). Postoperative dysphagia occurred significantly more frequently
in elderly patients (P = 0.017). ICU stay was likely to be longer
in the elderly group (P = 0.094); hence, the duration of
hospitalization was significantly longer in the elderly group (P= 0.045). Elderly patients with ATAAD surgery were more likely to
decrease their walking ability at discharge because they were
significantly less likely to discharge by walking without any aids
(P = 0.021) and more likely to discharge with a wheelchair
compared with patients in the control group (P = 0.052).
Postoperative walking difficulty was significantly more advanced in the
elderly group (P = 0.013); therefore, the Barthel index for the
elderly group on discharge was significantly lower than the control
group (P = 0.032).