Laparoscopic colorectal resection for octogenarians is a safe and optimal approach

Abstract

PURPOSE: Colorectal resection for the elderly patients is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, with the increased age of the population, the incidence of colorectal cancer in the elderly patients also increases and resection is usually necessary. The study reviews the outcome of surgery of patients at or over 80 years who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection. METHODS: From the prospective collected database, 166 patients of aged 80 years or above underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection from 1998 to 2009. The outcomes of surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-six patients (80 men) with the median age of 83 years (range: 80-96) underwent laparoscopic colorectal during the study period. One hundred and fifty-seven had malignancy and 74% had comorbid medical diseases. Fifty-one patients (31%) had operation for rectal lesions. The mean operating time was 170 min and the median blood loss was 100 ml. Intraoperative transfusion was required in 6 patients. Conversion was required in 10 patients (6%). One patient died within 30 days (0.6%) because of pneumonia. The morbidity rate was 24% and reoperation was required in 5 patients (3%). The median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic colorectal resection is safe in the elderly patients and associated with a low mortality and morbidity. It should be regarded as the optimal approach for the elderly patients.