[Colorectal carcinoma in the elderly. Assessment of prognostic factors]

Between 1976 and December 1992 a total of 80 patients aged 80 or over underwent surgery for colorectal cancer at the Surgical Clinic of Pisa University. Twelve patients died, 18 presented non-lethal complications and 48 had a normal postoperative recovery. The type of surgery did not appear to be correlated with mortality. Urgency, associated with the advanced stage of cancer (according to Duke's classification modified by Aster-Coller), was the factor which most severely influenced mortality. A marked prognostic improvement can be obtained by an early diagnosis and careful evaluation of the patient's overall conditions.