Survival and quality of life after surgery for colorectal cancer in the elderly: a comparative study

Abstract

Background: the aim of this study was to analyze the clinical results of the multidisciplinary management of elderly patients with colorectal cancer in a single center and to describe postoperative quality of life.

Methods: a comparative study was designed to compare the results and quality of life of patients treated in our center for colon cancer, aged from 80 to 84 years (study group) compared to a control group (aged form 75 to 79 years of age). Morbidity, mortality, oncological results and quality of life were analyzed.

Results: eighty-seven patients aged between 80 and 84 years of age (study group) were compared to a control group, which was formed by 91 patients aged from 75 to 79 years of age. There were no significant differences in technique and morbidity. Survival at 30 days, 90 days and at the end of follow-up (median 48 months) were similar in both groups. There were no differences in quality of life except for one item with regard to physical function (p = 0.0138).

Conclusion: similar clinical results and quality of life were achieved after treating elderly patients with colon cancer with a multidisciplinary management approach.