Short-term and Long-term Outcomes of Colorectal Cancer Surgery in Elderly Patients (80 years or more) and Measures for Improving Treatment Results

The prevention of complications and maintenance of radical cure are problems in elderly patients. Purpose: The surgical results of treating colorectal cancer in elderly patients were analyzed and remedial measures were clarified. Method: 3,267 patients were divided into an elderly group (80 years or more, Group O) and a younger group (less than 80 years, Group Y). The treatment results were compared between the two groups. Results: There were 238 patients in Group O and 3,029 patients in Group Y. There were more cases of laparoscopic surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy in Group O. The amount of bleeding and operation time were greater in Group Y, and respiratory complications were more frequent in Group O. Laparoscopic surgery was a negative risk factor in the multivariate analysis of complications. The overall survival rate of Group Y was better than that of Group O in all stages except stage IIIb. However, there was a difference in only stage IIIa in the relapse-free survival rate. There were more cases of palliative care and fewer cases of surgical resection in Group O in the relapse treatment. Conclusions: The short-term results of Group O were excellent. Laparoscopic surgery is suggested to be useful for preventing complications.