Rectal cancer surgery in patients more than 80 years of age

Background This retrospective study aimed to compare the prognosis for rectal cancer in patients more than 80 years old with that observed in younger patients. Methods Patients operated on for a rectal adenocarcinoma, from 1980 to 1998, were divided into two groups: group 1 (>80 years, N = 92); group 2 (<80 years, N = 276). Results There were significant differences between the two groups with regard to the sex ratio, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, the emergency presentation, and the curative operation rate. The operative mortality rate was 8% in group 1, 4% in group 2 (P = 0.26). The overall 5-year survival rate was 35% in group 1, 53% in group 2 (P = 0.0004). In patients operated on for cure, the cancer-specific 5-year survival rate was 50% in group 1, 59% in group 2 (P = 0.08). Conclusions The prognosis for rectal cancer in patients over 80 years is not significantly different from that of younger patients. Surgery should not be restricted on the basis of age.