The risks of major head and neck surgery in the aged population

A review of 162 major head and neck operative cases for cancer in patients over age 70 from 1963-1973 are reviewed. The major and minor surgical complication rates and the rate of medical complications are compared to 552 similar procedures in patients under age 70, during the same time period. The operative mortality figures for each group, as well as the causes of death, are examined. A plea is made for aggressive therapy in the elderly, both in the surgical planning and in their pre- and postoperative care.