[Visceral and thoracic surgical interventions in patients over 80 years old. Evaluation of cost coverage]

Due to the higher incidence of malignant tumours with increasing age, cancer is the second most common cause of death among those aged over 65 years old. Consequently, demographic changes in Germany have resulted in a rising demand for oncological operations in elderly patients which is more cost-intensive. Objective of the present study in the setting of a university surgical department is whether oncological operations on patients over 80 years old is cost-effective in the era of diagnosis-related groups. The revenue and expenditure of 116 cases of patients over 80 years old documented for the years 2005-2007 were collated and evaluated. The calculated average proceeds were compared with cases of patients under 80 years old.The average return was -1493.50 EUR/case for over 80-year olds and was not cost-effective. The presence or absence of complications had a significant impact on proceeds, because the mean return/case without complications was profitable (1297.30 EUR). Medical care of patients over 80 years old was on average cost-effective and generated a profit. Oncological operations in patients under 80 years old were not sufficiently remunerated by the current DRG system. Therefore, there is an economical risk associated with oncological operations in elderly patients.