Radical Cystectomy in Patients Older than 75 Years: Assessment of Morbidity and Mortality

Objective: We have reviewed our surgical experience to assess intra– and postoperative morbidity and mortality in 25 patients 75 years old or older with invasive bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion or bladder substitution. Methods: Between January 1993 and February 1999, of 190 patients who underwent radical cystectomy, 23 men and 2 women were aged from 75 to 87 (median 79) years. Urinary diversion was performed in 23 cases and bladder substitution in 2. All patients had significant comorbidity and 15 patients were ASA II and 10 ASA III. Results: Median operating time was 4 h. Perioperative mortality rate was 4%. Intraoperative, early and late postoperative complications occurred in 15, 16 and 6 patients, respectively. The most common early complications were pyelonephritis (32%), disorientation (20%), additional pulmonary infection (20%) and prolonged ileus (32%). No secondary procedures were necessary. The most common late complication was ureteroileal anastomotic stricture (16%). The median hospital stay and intensive care unit stay were 24 and 14 days, respectively. With a median follow–up of 14 (5–50) months the overall mortality rate was 32%. Conclusions: Radical cystectomy can be performed in elderly patients with acceptable perioperative mortality and morbidity. However, because of the high incidence of minor medical complications, hospital stay is often prolonged.