Outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in older patients

The object of this study was to assess the outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in patients >60 years of age and compare it to a younger group of patients who underwent similar procedures. All consecutive patients who underwent a laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted procedure were evaluated. The parameters analyzed included gender, indication for surgery, procedure, complications, conversions, length of ileus, length of hospitalization, and comorbidity. The results of patients 60 years of age or older were compared to a procedure-matched group of younger patients. Between August 1991 and August 1995, 165 patients underwent a laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted colorectal procedure. Thirty-six patients were 60 years of age or older [mean age, 73 (60-88) years; 17 males and 19 females] and were compared with 36 younger patients [mean age, 44 (20-58) years; 13 males and 23 females]. The indications for surgery included Crohn's disease in 14 patients, polyps in 23, diverticular disease in 15, carcinoma in 11, fecal incontinence in 4, rectal prolapse in 2, radiation proctitis in 2, and sigmoidocele in 1. Identical procedures were performed in each group including right colectomy or ileocolic resection in 17 patients, sigmoidectomy in 14, loop ileostomy in 3, loop colostomy in 1, and abdominoperineal resection in 1 patient. Fourteen patients (38%) in the elderly group had comorbid conditions including ischemic heart disease (3), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3), hypertension (2), chronic renal failure (2), atherosclerotic vascular disease (2), congestive heart failure (1), and diabetes (1). All patients were cleared for surgery by their respective specialists. There were no statistically significant differences between the younger and older groups relative to the incidence of complications (11 vs 14%, respectively) and conversion (8 vs 11%, respectively) or the length of ileus (2.8 vs 4.2 days, respectively) or hospitalization (5.2 vs 6.5 days, respectively) (P = NS for all). There was no mortality in either group. The outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in older patients is similar to that noted in younger patients. Advanced age should not be a contraindication to laparoscopic colorectal surgery.