[Advanced gastric cancer in the elderly. Oncologic evaluation & considerations of operative technique]

The Authors reviewed their series of 28 consecutive elderly patients operated on for gastric cancer in the Division of General and Oncological Surgery--Department of Surgery and Surgical Emergencies of the University of Perugia from January 1993 to December 1994. Thirteen subtotal gastrectomies associated with resection of the nearby organs in 5 cases, six total gastrectomies, two gastrojejunal bypass, and seven atypical resections of the middle third of the stomach were performed. The Authors focus their attention on this atypical technique pointing out the advantages compared to other procedures as well as criteria for patients selection. Gastric resection of the middle third seems a worthwhile procedure for well selected elderly patients, resulting in a good quality of life with low morbidity and mortality.