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[Pancreatic resection in the elderly : Is the risk justified?]
K Feilhauer1, R Hennig, S Lenz
1Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie, Katharinenhospital, Klinikum Stuttgart, Kriegsbergstr. 60, 70174, Stuttgart, Deutschland.
Der Chirurg; Zeitschrift Fur Alle Gebiete Der Operativen Medizen
|September 20, 2014
Summary
Pancreatic resection is safe for elderly patients over 75. While perioperative risk increases with age, surgical complications are similar, and mortality is low in experienced centers.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Context:
- Aging populations necessitate evaluating surgical risks in older adults.
- Pancreatic resection is a complex procedure with potential risks for elderly patients.
Purpose:
- To assess the safety and outcomes of pancreatic resection in patients aged 75 and older.
- To determine if advanced age is a contraindication for pancreatic surgery.
Summary:
- A retrospective analysis of 209 pancreatic resections (146 <75 years, 63 ≥75 years) was conducted.
- Overall mortality was 2.4%, affecting only patients over 75 but not directly related to surgery.
- Perioperative mortality and comorbidity rates were higher in the elderly group, but surgical complications were similar between age groups.
Impact:
- Pancreatic resection in patients over 75 is feasible and justified in experienced centers.
- Age alone should not preclude elderly patients from undergoing pancreatic surgery.
- Careful consideration of comorbidities is crucial for decision-making in elderly surgical candidates.
