Surgery for colorectal cancer in elderly patients

In 545 consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency surgery for colorectal cancer (370 colon and 175 rectum), mortality and morbidity were analysed in different age groups with special reference to patients over 80 years old. In that group, 33% had an emergency operation, compared with 18% below that age. Postoperative mortality after elective surgery ranged from 3 to 11% in the different age groups, but was not significantly related to age. In contrast, postoperative in-hospital mortality after emergency surgery was high (38%) among those older than 80 years, compared with 6% below 75 years and 24% between 76 and 80 years. Postoperative morbidity, i.e. infections and cardiovascular disease, increased with age, as did the length of hospital stay. Five-year survival, independent of age, was poorer after emergency surgery than after elective surgery. It is concluded that elective colorectal resection for cancer in elderly patients is a safe procedure.