[Oncologic visceral surgery in the elderly]

Oncology in elderly and frail patients is a subject of increasing importance due to demographic developments in our society. So far, patient age has been highly important for the indication of oncologic operations. This paradigm needs to be changed, since preoperative diagnostics, operative techniques, and postoperative intensive care have improved substantially over the past years. Reviewing the literature, we found that oncologic operations can be performed safely with the same morbidity, mortality, and length of hospital stay as with younger patients. Pre-existing comorbidities are the most important factor in elderly patients. Procedures must be safe and palliation needs to be effective more than curative procedures. To conclude: an surgery should always be considered in the therapeutic strategy for elderly and frail patients.