Silent Threat: Impact of Preoperative Albumin Levels on Outcomes in Geriatric Cancer Surgery

Dr Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital

Status: Completed

Conditions: Postoperative Complications; Hypoalbuminemia; Malnutrition; Neoplasms; Aged

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06998030

2025-03/53

Details and patient eligibility

About

This retrospective, single-center study aims to evaluate the impact of preoperative albumin levels on postoperative outcomes in geriatric patients (aged 65 and above) undergoing cancer surgery. The study will compare postoperative complication rates, length of hospital stay, and intensive care needs between patients with hypoalbuminemia and those with normal albumin levels.

Full description

Malnutrition is a significant risk factor for postoperative complications in elderly cancer patients. Preoperative serum albumin is a key biomarker reflecting nutritional and inflammatory status. This study will retrospectively review the medical records of 330 geriatric patients (≥65 years) who underwent cancer surgery at Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital. Patients will be grouped according to preoperative albumin levels: Group 1 (<3.5 g/dL, hypoalbuminemia) and Group 2 (≥3.5 g/dL, normal). The primary aim is to compare postoperative complication rates, length of hospital stay, and intensive care requirements between these groups. The findings are expected to clarify the prognostic value of albumin and support individualized perioperative management in geriatric cancer surgery.

Enrollment: 330 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 65+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age 65 years or older
• Diagnosed with cancer and underwent cancer surgery
• Preoperative albumin level recorded before surgery

Exclusion criteria

• Preoperative sepsis, severe infection, or active inflammatory disease
• Emergency or palliative surgery
• Missing preoperative albumin value
• Incomplete medical records or follow-up data

Trial design

330 participants in 2 patient groups

Group 1 (<3.5 g/dL, hypoalbuminemia)

Description:

Participants with preoperative serum albumin levels less than 3.5 g/dL. This group represents geriatric cancer surgery patients who are considered to have hypoalbuminemia, indicating poor nutritional and/or inflammatory status prior to surgery.

Group 2 (≥3.5 g/dL, normal)

Description:

Participants with preoperative serum albumin levels equal to or greater than 3.5 g/dL. This group represents geriatric cancer surgery patients with normal preoperative albumin levels, reflecting adequate nutritional and inflammatory status prior to surgery.