[Prognosis of colorectal cancer in patients over 80]

A comparison of 149 patients aged over 80 years with a group of 49 under 50 years demonstrated that colorectal carcinoma is more frequent in older persons and more frequently in the right and middle third of the colon. Ileus and perforation are more common in the elderly and are usually diagnosed at a more advanced stage making curative surgery less likely. Perioperative mortality in the over-80s totalled 18.8%. Re-operations had to be performed in 4.7%, an external stoma was needed in 28.1%. Postoperative complications occurred in 25.5% of the older age group, compared with 16.3% in the under-50s. Five-year survival rate was 19.1% in the over-80s. The late mortality rate was 36.2% in the older and 30.0% in the younger age group, after an average postoperative period of 14 and 21.1 months, respectively. Treatment results even in the higher age groups can be improved by earlier diagnosis and treatment.