Influence of old age on the postoperative outcomes of obstructive colorectal cancer surgery after the insertion of a stent

PURPOSE: In some patients more than 70 years of age with obstructive colorectal cancer, their concerns about the postoperative complications lead them to refuse surgery after the insertion of a stent. This study aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes between obstructive colorectal cancer patients aged less than 70 years and those aged 70 years and more who underwent surgery after the insertion of a colonoscopic stent. METHODS: Patients with obstructive colorectal cancer who underwent surgery after the insertion of a colonoscopic stent between March 2004 and March 2014 were reviewed retrospectively by using medical records. The patients were divided into two groups: 22 patients were aged less than 70 years (group A) and 30 patients were aged more than 70 years (group B). RESULTS: Although no significant difference in comorbidity was noted between the two groups, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was higher in group B. There was no significant difference in cancer location, stage, or the time from the insertion of the stent to operation. The perioperative results including operation time, blood loss, and length of stay were not significantly different between the groups. The postoperative complications were also not significantly different. CONCLUSION: The surgical outcomes of elderly patients were similar to those of younger patients, despite higher ASA scores. These results indicate that surgery can be performed safely in elderly patients with obstructive colorectal cancer after the insertion of a stent.