Surgical treatment and perioperative period management for 182 elderly patients with colonic carcinoma / 中国癌症杂志

ABSTRACT

Purpose:To explore the problems in the treatment of the elderly patients suffering from colonic carcinoma.Methods:182 cases of elderly patients aged over 70 who received operation for colonic carcinoma during Jan 1994 to Dec 1998 were analyzed retrospectively. Results:176 cases underwent resections (resection rate 96.7%), of which 129 cases(70.9%)had radical resection and 47 cases(25.8%)palliative resection. 6 cases(3.3%)experienced simple colostomy or bypass. Postoperative complications were found in 67 cases (36.8%),of which 8 cases died during perioperation period(mortality rate 4.4%). Conclusions:Old age is not the major determining factor when considering surgical operation as the treatment for colonic carcinoma patients. In order to enhance resection rate especially radical resection rate and survival rate,to diminish postoperative complications and mortality, and thus to improve the quality of life for the elderly colonic carcinoma patients, a series of measures must be taken. First, diagnosis and treatment of the associated conditions must be emphasized. Second, full preoperative preparations with appropriate choice of the time and procedure for operation, as well as exact operation principles must be followed. Finally, intensive monitoring during the perioperative period and prevention and treatment of postoperative complications were also important factors to be considered.