Mortality of oesophagal surgery in the elderly.

The operative mortality in pulmonary surgery was found to be four times higher in patients aged above 70 compared with those below 65. A similar study has been carried out in patients undergoing oesophageal surgery. A corresponding increase in operative mortality with advancing age was not found in this group. Anastomotic leakage remains the most common cause of operative mortality, the incidence of which is no higher in the elderly, though they are more liable to general complications. The overall mortality figures are comparable. The surgical approach to carcinoma of the oesophagus must be radical, and advanced age should not be a reason for withholding surgery.