ARISCAT Index and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Elective Surgery at a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Peru

Abstract

Background. Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are frequent and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The ARISCAT index offers a preoperative stratification method to identify surgical patients at elevated respiratory risk.

Methods. We conducted a prospective observational study in December 2024 at Hospital III-1 José Cayetano Heredia in northern Peru. Adult patients undergoing elective surgery were evaluated using the ARISCAT score and followed for 14 postoperative days. Data were collected through electronic medical records and analyzed with Stata 17. Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies, and continuous variables as medians. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between ARISCAT score and PPCs, adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, surgical site, and ICU admission. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee, and all patients provided written informed consent.

Results. A total of 202 patients were included; 43% developed PPCs, mainly atelectasis and bronchospasm. The ARISCAT index showed a strong association with PPCs. Compared to the low-risk group, patients in the intermediate and high-risk categories had significantly increased odds of complications (aOR: 6.42 and 6.81, respectively; p<0.001). Comorbidities such as diabetes, asthma, cancer, and COPD were also independently associated with PPCs, confirming the ARISCAT score’s predictive value in this population. Conclusion. The ARISCAT score is a valid tool for predicting postoperative pulmonary complications in elective surgery patients and should be integrated into preoperative assessments to improve perioperative risk stratification. Keywords: Postoperative Complications; Risk Assessment; Preoperative Care; Elective Surgical Procedures; Surgical Procedures.> < 0,001). Comorbidities such as diabetes, asthma, cancer, and COPD were also independently associated with PPCs, confirming the ARISCAT score’s predictive value in this population.

Conclusion. The ARISCAT score is a valid tool for predicting postoperative pulmonary complications in elective surgery patients and should be integrated into preoperative assessments to improve perioperative risk stratification.