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Robotic colorectal surgery in elderly patients: A single-centre experience
Enda Hannan1, Gerard Feeney1, Mohammad Fahad Ullah1
1Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Limerick, Ireland.
Summary
Robotic colorectal surgery (RCRS) is safe and effective for elderly patients, showing similar outcomes to younger individuals. Advanced age is not a barrier for RCRS, supporting its broader application.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Colorectal Surgery
Background:
- Elderly patients represent a growing demographic undergoing surgical procedures.
- Assessing the safety and efficacy of advanced surgical techniques in older adults is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare outcomes of robotic colorectal surgery (RCRS) in elderly (≥65 years) versus non-elderly patients.
- To determine if advanced age is a contraindication for RCRS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database.
- Inclusion of elderly (≥65 years) and non-elderly patients who underwent RCRS.
- Comparison of postoperative complications, reoperations, wound infections, anastomotic leaks, mortality, and length of stay.
Main Results:
- 89 elderly and 73 non-elderly patients were analyzed.
- No significant differences in complications, reoperations, infections, leaks, or mortality between groups.
- Elderly patients had a median length of stay 1 day longer (p=0.007).
- Octogenarian subgroup analysis showed favorable outcomes compared to younger patients.
Conclusions:
- Robotic colorectal surgery is safe and effective in elderly patients.
- Outcomes in elderly RCRS patients are comparable to younger counterparts.
- Age alone should not exclude patients from undergoing RCRS.
