Resection of colorectal liver metastases in old patients.

In a consecutive series of 90 patients in whom colorectal liver metastases were resected over a ten-year-period at a single institution, 18 patients (20%) were older than 70 years. In these patients 9 major and 9 minor hepatic resections were performed. The postoperative complication rate was 28% and resection mortality 6%. Operative mortality included, the median survival time was 18 months. Estimated 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 69%, 38% and 25%, respectively. In comparison with 72 younger patients, no significant differences were found in surgical strategies, operative procedures, or early and late postoperative results. As a result of these findings, even older patients should be regarded as potential candidates for curative resection of colorectal liver metastases.