Outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer in elderly patients

Purpose: Elderly patients with rectal cancer are regarded as being at increased risk during radical resection because of lack of functional reserve and increased number of co-morbidities. The aim of this study was to compare the short and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery with radical intent between elderly and young rectal cancer patients. Methods: Three-hundred ten patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery with radical intent for rectal cancer at our institution between January 2008 and December 2014 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two age groups (younger than 70 years and older than 70 years) and were evaluated with respect to short and long-term outcomes. Results: Postoperative morbidity was similar in elderly and young groups (p=0.718). Overall survival and disease-free survival were not significantly different between the two groups. Advanced age was not independent predictor of overall survival and disease free survival by univariate and multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Our data indicate that laparoscopic surgery with radical intent can be performed as safely in elderly patients as in young patients, with comparable postoperative results and long-term outcomes.