Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2005 | Research
Postoperative mortality after cancer surgery in octogenarians and nonagenarians: results from a series of 5,390 patients
Published in: World Journal of Surgical Oncology | Issue 1/2005
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Background
To support decisions about surgical treatment of elderly patients with cancer, population-based estimates of postoperative mortality (POM) rates are required.
Methods
Electronic records from the Rotterdam Cancer Registry were retrieved for octogenarians and nonagenarians who underwent resection in the period 1987–2000. POM was defined as death within 30 days of resection and both elective and emergency operations were included.
Results
In a series of 5.390 operated patients aged 80 years and older, POM rates were 0.5% for breast cancer, 1.7% for endometrial cancer and 4.2% for renal cancer. For patients with colorectal cancer, POM increased from 8% for the age group 80–84 to 13% for those 85–89 to 20% in nonagenarians. For stomach cancer, the respective figures were 11%, 20% and 44%.
Conclusion
These results show that resections can be performed at acceptable risk in selected elderly patients with cancer.