Identification of factors predictive of postoperative morbidity and short-term mortality in older patients after colorectal carcinoma resection: A single-center retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of age on patient outcome after colorectal carcinoma (CRC) resection in patients over 65 years of age.

METHODS

This study included patients aged 65 years and older who underwent CRC resection between 2003 and 2013 at a single-center institution. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (65-74 years old) and Group B (≥75 years old).

RESULTS

Multivariable logistic analysis of 415 patients revealed serum albumin levels on the third postoperative day (POD) (Odds Ratio (OR), 0.44; 95% CI, 0.21-0.94; P = 0.03) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.00-1.01; P = 0.04) in patients with colon cancer as predictive factors for morbidity. In addition, the multivariable logistic analysis revealed serum albumin levels (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.08-0.87; P = 0.03) in patients with rectal cancer as predictive factors for morbidity. The multivariate Cox Proportional Hazards Model identified re-intervention for colon cancer (Hazard Ratio (HR), 4.57; 95% CI, 1.36-15.4 P = 0.01) and for rectal cancer (HR, 11.8; 95% CI, 1.08-129 P = 0.04) as a predictive factor for 30-day mortality. Serum albumin level on the third POD was predictive of 30-day mortality (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.13-0.71; P = 0.01) and of 1-year mortality (HR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.17-0.66; P < 0.01) in patients with colon cancer.

CONCLUSION

Age is not predictive of postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with CRC. Serum albumin levels on the third POD can predict morbidity and mortality for colon and rectal carcinoma in older patients undergoing colorectal resections.