Does age of patients with gastrointestinal cancer impact postoperative physical function and quality of life? A prospective study using the new Japanese elderly standard

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among aging factors using the new Japanese elderly standard, early postoperative physical function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. [Participants and Methods] We studied 94 patients scheduled for elective surgery of gastrointestinal cancer: 53 males and 41 females aged 62.0 ± 12.1 years (mean ± SD). Patients were divided into three groups based on age at baseline: young (<65 years), pre-old (65–74 years), and old (≥75 years) groups. We measured body mass index, isometric knee extension force (IKEF), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey version 2 (SF-36) at baseline and 4 weeks after surgery. [Results] Patients 75 years or older had significantly lower IKEF and 6MWT compared to the other groups. Patients younger than 65 years had significantly greater scores on the mental health SF36 subscale 4 weeks after surgery compared to baseline. Comparatively, patients older than 75 years had significantly decreased mental health scores 4 weeks after surgery. [Conclusion] Based on the new Japanese elderly standard, advanced age appears to worsen the postoperative change of HRQOL in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.