Abdominal surgery in patients over 80 years of age

Out of 179 surgical admissions in 1987, 8 (4.5%) were over 80 years old; of these, 7 had malignant disease. Careful clinical assessment indicated that the benefits of operation outweighed the surgical risks. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia. All 8 patients recovered, despite numerous complications, and were symptom- free up to 11 months after treatment. Provided that such patients are in the care of an experienced, skilled surgical team, major operative procedures should be carried out more frequently in the elderly, especially when the patient anticipates a successful outcome.