Longer Surgery Time Linked to Higher Risk for Seniors
Adults aged 70 and older facing percutaneous nephrolithotomy may see higher complication rates when procedures exceed 95 minutes.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Stroke
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Should surgical time thresholds be used as a standard to manage risks for elderly patients?
Researchers identified that surgical duration impacts post-operative outcomes for elderly patients undergoing a procedure for kidney stones. The study, published on September 21, 2026, highlights specific risk factors for those aged 70 and older.
Why it matters
Identifying these surgical thresholds helps clinicians better manage risks during complex stone removal procedures in an aging population. Understanding these variables allows for more informed discussions between surgeons and older patients regarding expectations and safety.
In a study of 716 patients aged 70 and older across 15 countries, researchers identified a 95-minute operative threshold linked to a 3.37-fold increase in overall complication risk. Findings also noted that nonpapillary puncture techniques and positive preoperative urine cultures increased complication odds.
The players
Researchers
A global team of clinical experts investigating surgical outcomes for elderly patients across 21 centers in 15 countries.
The details
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy involves accessing the kidney through a small incision to remove stones. Researchers measured operative time from the initial renal puncture to the procedure's completion, finding that longer durations correlated with increased inflammatory or physical trauma. Factors like nonpapillary puncture and pre-existing infection are also implicated in these negative outcomes.
Timeline
• Surgeries were conducted between 2014 and 2025.
• Results were published on September 21, 2026.
Health Landscape
This research contributes to the broader effort to optimize the European Association of Urology clinical guidelines on urolithiasis for geriatric surgery. It emphasizes the need for refined surgical planning as the volume of complex stone management in older adults continues to rise.
If you or a family member are considering surgery for kidney stones, ask your urologist about the expected operative time and steps taken to mitigate infection risks. It is also worth discussing the surgical approach, such as puncture type, to better understand potential complication factors.
The takeaway
Surgical duration and technical factors significantly influence safety outcomes for older patients undergoing kidney stone procedures. Ask your surgeon about these specific risk factors during your pre-operative consultation.
Further reading
For more information on managing vascular-related risks and recovery, visit our Stroke section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medscape.
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Should surgical time thresholds be used as a standard to manage risks for elderly patients?
