Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy in patients older than 80

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Gastric cancer incidence is rising among the elderly due to demographic shifts.
• Evaluating the safety and outcomes of surgical interventions in octogenarians is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the morbidity and mortality associated with laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) in patients aged 80 and above.
• To compare the outcomes of LAG in very elderly patients (80+) with those in elderly patients (70-79).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 74 patients who underwent LAG for gastric cancer.
• Patients were divided into two groups: elderly (70-79 years) and very elderly (80+ years).
• Preoperative comorbidities, operative results, and postoperative outcomes were compared between groups.

Main Results:

• The very elderly group showed a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease.
• Lower percent vital capacity (%VC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced expiratory capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio were observed in the very elderly.
• Preoperative hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in the very elderly group.
• Postoperative complication rates, hospital stay, time to first flatus, and fever resolution were similar between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) is a safe procedure for gastric cancer patients over 80.
• Outcomes and complication rates in octogenarian patients are comparable to those aged 70-79.
• LAG offers a viable surgical option for elderly patients with gastric cancer, regardless of age extremes.