In a nutshell
This study investigated the complications after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery in elderly patients. Researchers suggested that if the patient is fit enough to undergo surgery, it improves the cancer outcomes.
Some background
CRC is the most common cancer in elderly people. The standard treatment for CRC is surgery and chemotherapy, if possible. However, due to older age, some patients are not as fit and often have other diseases. Therefore, their ability to recover from treatment is lower.
To decide whether to offer older patients the same strong treatment as younger patients, differences in recovery after surgery in these patients must be investigated.
Methods & findings
The objective of this study was to investigate the outcomes after surgery in patients with CRC who are 80 years of age or more.
This study included information about 108 patients with 80 years of age or more that received surgery. The average follow-up was 47 months.
Complications after surgery were seen in 25% of the patients. The 30-day mortality was 7%. Overall survival was 66 months in patients without complications and 13 months in patients with complications.
The bottom line
The authors determined that surgery in patients who experienced fewer complications increased survival in patients with CRC of 80 years of age or more.
The fine print
This study included both patients who needed emergency or planned surgery. They only included patients healthy enough to have surgery.
Published By :
Annals of Surgical Oncology
Date :
Sep 22, 2018
