Short-Term Outcome of Laparoscopic Surgery in Elderly Colorectal Cancer Patients

We aimed to evaluate the short-term outcome of colorectal resection in very elderly patients, aged 85 years or older. As the population ages, the number of elderly patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing in Japan. At this time, it is unclear whether or not laparoscopic colorectal resection is safe for this very elderly patient population. From January 2005 to November 2014, a total of 20 patients aged 85 years or older underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection at Osaka University Hospital. Pre- and postoperative clinical data and outcomes were collected retrospectively. There were no intraoperative or postoperative deaths. In 2 cases, the laparoscopic procedure was converted to open surgery. Postoperative complications occurred in 6 patients. Two patients developed an infection at the surgical site. Among the 4 patients who underwent low anterior resection (LAR), 2 experienced postoperative anastomotic leakage. Two other patients developed a lung infection and urinary tract infection, respectively. Laparoscopic colectomy for very elderly patients with CRC appears to involve tolerable risk. However, special caution is advisable for patients who may undergo LAR.