The Outcome of Single-incision Laparoscopic Right Colectomy for Colon Carcinoma in the Elderly

Purpose: Surgeons are increasingly being faced with the problem of treating elderly colon cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the feasibility of single-incision laparoscopic surgery for these patients. Methods: Among 34 right colon cancer patients treated with single-incision laparoscopic surgery procedure between August 2010 and September 2011, 9 (26.5%) were aged 80 or over. The results of treatment in this elderly group were compared retrospectively with those in 10 younger colon cancer patients (age, 59 to 67 y; control group, 29.5%). Results: The sex distribution, body mass index, and the tumor location were similar between the groups. The elderly had a higher incidence of preoperative risk factors (77.7% vs. 40.0%; P = 0.17). However, operative time and estimated blood loss were similar and postoperative complications had not occurred in both groups. Conclusions: We believe that single-incision laparoscopic colectomy can be carried out safely in elderly patients with colon cancer.