The SF-36 and 6-Minute Walk Test are Significant Predictors of Complications After Major Surgery

Major surgeries are associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Current preoperative evaluation fails to identify patients at increased risk of postoperative complications. This study is aimed to determine whether the Short Form-36 health survey (SF-36) and the 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) are useful predictors of postoperative complications after major surgery. All patients scheduled to undergo major surgery were eligible for the study. Major surgeries include patients undergoing thoracotomy, sternotomy, or upper abdominal laparotomy. The SF-36 health survey and 6-MWT were administered prior to surgery. Spirometry and other preoperative testing, ordered by the surgeon, like echocardiography were included in the study. Patients were then followed-up for postoperative complications for 30 days. One-hundred and seventeen subjects undergoing major surgery were recruited to the study. The mean age was 58 years and 66 (56.4 %) were male. Physical Functioning as a component of the SF-36 positively correlated with decreased length of hospital stay (LOS). The 6-MWT had a negative correlation with LOS (p < 0.0001) and with severity of postoperative complications (p < 0.0001). Spirometry and echocardiography did not correlate with LOS or grade of complications. SF-36 (Physical Functioning) and 6-MWT are useful indicators for predicting postoperative complications and LOS. Patients undergoing major surgery answered SF-36 and performed 6-MWT. Physical Functioning as a component of the SF-36 correlated with LOS. The 6-MWT had a negative correlation with LOS and with complication grade. SF-36 and 6-MWT are useful predictors of postoperative complications.