Sphincter-saving proctectomy for rectal cancer in the elderly

Rectal cancer shows a high incidence in older patients, however, only few reports focused exclusively on rectal cancer with the exclusion of the surgery of the colon. This retrospective study aims to compare short-term and long-term outcomes for rectal cancer in patients more than 75 years old with that observed in younger patients.

Four hundred consecutive patients operated on for primary rectal adenocarcinoma were collected in a prospective institutional database and divided into two groups: group 1 (≥ 75 years, n =98); group 2 (<75 years, n= 302). Sphincter-saving restaurative proctectomy was the only procedure considered. Main clinical and pathological data, morbidity, clinical anastomotic leakage, reoperation rate, 30-day mortality, overall survival, and cancer-related survival were assessed and compared.

In our experience, advanced age itself is not a contraindication for surgical sphincter-saving proctetomy in rectal cancer patients, although it is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Overall survival is lower in patients over 75 age, but cancer-related survival is not different between the two groups.

In our experience, advanced age itself is not a contraindication for surgical sphincter-saving proctetomy in rectal cancer patients, although it is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Overall survival is lower in patients over 75 age, but cancer-related survival is not different between the two groups.

Outcomes, Rectal Cancer, Elderly, Sphincter-saving, Surgery.