Morbidity and Mortality of Meningioma Resection Increases in Octogenarians

BACKGROUND: The incidence of meningioma has increased drastically recently, particularly in older adults. Surgical intervention has the potential to reduce neurologic symptoms and achieve favorable, long-term outcomes. There is considerable variability in the literature examining the relationship between age and outcomes after meningioma surgery. The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between age and postoperative complications after craniotomy for resection of meningioma. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients undergoing craniotomy for meningioma resection between 2005 and 2012. Multivariate analysis was used to identify associations between age and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Age > 80 years is an independent risk factor for any complication (odds ratio [OR], 2.374; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-4.4; P [0.015), death within 30 days of surgery (OR, 15.7; 95% CI, 3.0-81.0; P < 0.001), and length of stay > 5 days (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.8-5.6; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, particularly > 80 years, is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing craniotomy for resection of meningioma. As such, it should be considered in preoperative optimization and risk stratification.