In a nutshell
This study compared the outcomes of laparoscopic (LAP) and open surgery in elderly patients with colorectal cancer and other medical conditions. Researchers suggested that laparoscopic surgery was safer than open surgery in these patients.
Some background
The elderly population continues to increase. Colorectal cancer has also been increasing. Surgery is the standard treatment for these patients. LAP is a less invasive option that consists of inserting a tube with a camera in a body opening to remove the tumor.
Since most elderly patients have other diseases (such as lung disorders) undergoing standard surgery may increase the risk of complications. It is not clear if this might affect the treatment choice (which may not be the best for cancer outcomes) and if a LAP surgery would best help these patients.
Methods & findings
The objective of this study was to investigate if having other diseases affects the treatment choice for elderly patients with colorectal cancer. This study also examined the safety of LAP in these patients.
This study included information about 118 patients of 85 years of age or older with colorectal cancer and other diseases. Of these, 106 patients underwent surgery. The remaining 12 patients received non-surgical treatment, including 7 patients with lung disease.
43 patients received standard surgery (group 1) and 47 received LAP (group 2). Group 2 had a hospital stay of 14 days and less blood loss. Group 1 stayed in the hospital for 19 days. Group 2 also had a lower complication rate (17%), when compared to group 1 (37.2%).
The bottom line
This study concluded that having lung disease affected the treatment choice of elderly patients with colorectal cancer, and that LAP was a safer surgery option.
The fine print
This study was done in Japanese patients so the results may not apply to all populations.
Published By :
International Journal of Colorectal Disease
Date :
Jun 28, 2019
