Laparoscopy could be the best approach to treat colorectal cancer in selected patients aged over 80 years: Outcomes from a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of treating elderly patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is of concern. This study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of elective laparoscopic vs. open surgery to treat CRC in very elderly patients.

METHODS

All patients aged >80 years and who had undergone a colectomy for CRC without metastasis between July 2005 and April 2012 were considered for inclusion. Demographic, clinical, operative, and postoperative data, plus overall and disease-free survival rates, were retrospectively collected and compared between two groups of patients that underwent an open procedure (OP group) or laparoscopy (LG).

RESULTS

123 patients were enrolled (55 OPG, 68 LG). Median age was similar between the groups (84 vs. 83 years, respectively; NS). Duration of surgery was significantly lower in OPG (170 vs. 200min; p=0.030). Overall mortality at 3 months was 8.3%: it tended to be greater in the OPG (16.5% vs. 1.5%, NS). Morbidity was significantly greater in the OPG compared to the LG (52.7% vs. 27.5%; p=0.021), resulting in significantly longer hospital stay (12 vs. 8 days, respectively; p<0.001). Pathological findings were similar between the two groups. Cumulative overall survival rates at 3 and 5 years were significantly greater after laparoscopy (85% and 72%) compared to open surgery (58.2% and 48%, respectively; p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that laparoscopy is safe and could increase overall survival compared to open surgery in elderly patients suffering from CRC.

SUMMARY

This retrospective study compared the short- and longer-term outcomes of patients aged >80 years and undergoing elective laparoscopic or open surgery for CRC between 2005 and 2012.