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Updated: Jul 1, 2026
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Application of Mid-Pancreatectomy with End-to-End Anastomosis in Pancreatic Benign Tumors
Published on: February 9, 2024
Do not deny pancreatic resection to elderly patients
Roberto Ballarin1, Mario Spaggiari, Fabrizio Di Benedetto
1Center for Liver and Multivisceral Transplants and HPB Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, #71, Via del Pozzo, 41100 Modena, Italy. ballarinroberto@hotmail.com
Summary
Elderly patients over 75 undergoing pancreatic resection show similar outcomes to younger patients. Comorbidities, not age itself, significantly impact postoperative results in pancreatic surgery.
Area of Science:
- Surgery
- Geriatric Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Radical pancreatic resection is a curative treatment for pancreatic cancer and beneficial for benign conditions like pancreatitis.
- Improvements in surgical and medical care have enhanced outcomes for elderly patients undergoing pancreatic resection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of age on outcomes following radical pancreatic resection.
- To compare postoperative mortality, morbidity, and survival rates between elderly (>75 years) and younger (<75 years) patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 98 consecutive patients undergoing radical pancreatic resection.
- Patients were divided into two groups: over 75 (n=23) and under 75 (n=75).
- Comparison of demographic data, comorbidities, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in postoperative mortality, hospital stay, or intensive care unit duration between age groups.
- Older patients had a higher frequency of complications (fistulas, infections, pneumonia), though not statistically significant.
- Median survival was 29.4 months and did not differ significantly between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Old age alone does not appear to increase postoperative complications in pancreatic resection.
- Comorbidities, reflecting a patient's overall health status, play a crucial role in the postoperative course.
- Age-appropriate selection for pancreatic resection should consider comorbidities.
