[Cancer surgery in advanced age]

The problems of surgical treatment of older carcinoma patients consist of the indication for operation, careful preparation and intensive after-care. With adherence to these conditions curative operations are possible even in patients over 70 years of age shown by the example of colo-rectal operations. The mortality rate is 9.6%, only a little higher than the total (6%). The surgical decision has to take account of the expected outcome, and has to be individual. The expected quality of life should influence operative tactics.