After laparoscopic liver resection for colorectal liver metastases, age does not influence morbi-mortality

Hepatectomy remains the only curative option in patients presenting with colorectal liver metastases (CLM). Although laparoscopic approach has improved postoperative morbidity and mortality rates, its suitability for patients of all age groups has yet to be confirmed. The aim of this study was to analyze postoperative outcomes following laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) in different age groups of patients presenting with CLM.

All patients who underwent LLR for CLM from 2008 to 2017 were reviewed. Patients were divided into four age groups: < 55, 55-65 years, 65-75 and > 75 years. Baseline and intraoperative characteristics as well as postoperative morbidity and mortality were compared between all four groups.

Overall, 335 patients were included with 34 (10%), 113 (34%), 136 (41%) and 52 (15%) in < 55, 55-65, 65-75 and > 75 years subgroups. Baseline characteristics were similar between all four groups except for elevated pressure, dyslipidemia and ASA score which were higher in older patients. Regarding surgical procedures, major hepatectomy, uni- or bisegmentectomy and wedge resection were performed in 122 (36%), 87 (26%) and 126 (38%) patients, respectively, with no significant differences between age groups. Overall, 90-day postoperative mortality rate was nil and postoperative morbidity was similar between all four groups except for biliary fistula occurrence, which was higher in < 55 years patients (p = 0.006).

Short-term postoperative outcome following LLR for CLM does not seem to be affected by age. Curative laparoscopic treatment should therefore be considered whenever possible, regardless of patient age.