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[Lung resections for cancer in the elderly]
M Loizzi1, P Sardelli, F Sollitto
1Cattedra di Chirurgia Toracica, Università degli Studi, Bari.
Background:
The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of surgical treatment for lung cancer in the elderly. Results are compared with findings in younger patients operated on during the same period (1985-1990).
Methods:
137 patients 70 years of age or older (range: 70 yrs-87 yrs) (group A) underwent surgical resection [pneumonectomy in 19 (13.8%), lobectomy or bilobectomy in 84 (61.3%), segmentectomy or wedge resection in 22 (16%)]. In group B (younger patients) 561 were treated by pneumonectomy in 156 (27.8%), lobectomy or bilobectomy in 294 (52.4%) and segmentectomy or wedge resection in 64 (11.4%).
Results:
The overall 2-year survival rate was 64.6% in group A and 61.4% in B. The 5-year survival rate was 36.2% (group A) and 43.2% (group B).
Conclusions:
These data suggest that advanced age should not be a contraindication to curative pulmonary resections. More attention must be paid to pre-codiseases of the increasing risk of postoperative complications.