Major resection of hepatic colorectal liver metastases in elderly patients – an aggressive approach is justified.

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Major resection of hepatic colorectal liver metastases in elderly patients - an aggressive approach is justified.

Eur J Surg Oncol. 2008 Apr;34(4):428-32

Authors: Mann CD, Neal CP, Pattenden CJ, Metcalfe MS, Garcea G, Dennison AR, Berry DP

AIMS: With a progressively ageing population, increasing numbers of elderly patients will present with colorectal metastases and be referred for surgical resection. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of hepatic resection in patients over 70 years of age by comparing outcomes with those of a younger cohort of patients. METHODS: Forty-nine patients over 70 years of age who underwent hepatic resection of colorectal liver metastases were compared to 142 patients less than 70 years of age in terms of pre-, peri- and post-operative results, as well as long-term survival. RESULTS: Major resections were performed in 61% of the elderly group and 68% of the younger group. The two groups were comparable in terms of operative duration, transfusion rate, length of HDU stay and post-operative hospital stay. The elderly group had a non-significant increase in post-operative morbidity. The 30-day and 60-day/inpatient mortality rates were similar between the two groups (elderly 0% and 4%; younger 2% and 3%). Long-term disease-free survival was similar between elderly and younger patients. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that an aggressive surgical policy towards colorectal metastases in elderly patients is associated with low peri-operative morbidity and mortality, as well as good long-term outcomes.

PMID: 17466484 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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