Surgical Treatment and Prognosis for Gastric Cancer in the Elderly

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The number of elderly patients who undergo surgery for gastric cancer has increased in recent years due to a life expectancy. To prevent fatal complications and increase the survival rate in gastric cancer patients, this study endeavored to clarify the risk factors contributing to postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing a radical gastrectomy. METHODS: Between January 1997 and December 1998, 176 patients underwent a gastrectomy for gastric cancer. For this review, the patients were divided into two groups; 30 patients over 70 years of age (older group) and 102 patients below 70 years of age (younger group), were prepared. A retrospective study was performed to examine the factors related to the high rate of complications and to compare the operative and general complications. RESULTS: The incidences of preoperative combined disease were 56.6% in the older group and 31.3% in the younger group (p<0.05), but no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications (36.6% versus 38.2%) was found between the two groups. The most common postoperative complications were wound infections, pulmonary disorders, and intraabdominal infections. CONCLUSION: Despite the increased rate of preoperative combined disease in older patients, patients over 70 years are able to tolerate a radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer when optimal perioperative management is provided and blood loss is reduced.