Surgical Management of Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms in the Elderly: An Institution Experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The elderly population is increasing in the world, especially in developed countries. The gain in life expectancy is remarkable in Japan, consequently incidence of aneurysms increases in this population. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surgical treatment and outcome of patients aged more than 75 years treated for unruptured intracranial aneurysms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study for unruptured cerebral aneurysms operated between September 2014 and August 31, 2018, in Fujita Health University, Banbuntane Hotokukai Hospital, for people aged more than 75 years. A demographic study was done. We also studied aneurysm location, aneurysm size, outcome, duration of stay, and complications. RESULTS: About 61 patients aged more than 75 years were operated in 4 years, comprising 12 males and 45 females. The mean age was 79.32 ± 3.29 years. Mean size of the aneurysm was 6.22 ± 3.28. Aneurysm location (P = 0.0037), associated risk factors (P = 0.006), and association of hypertension and diabetes (P = 0.0362) influence outcome. Length of stay is directly correlated with outcome (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Elder patients with hypertension and diabetes or associated risk factors having a posterior circulation aneurysm have a poor diagnosis.