Therapeutic Outcomes of Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer in Elderly Patients over 80 Years of Age

Abstract

Background : The benefit of laparoscopic surgery for elderly patients with gastric cancer is still controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) in elderly patients over 80 years of age.

Methods : We retrospectively analyzed a total of 535 consecutive patients who underwent LG for gastric cancer in our institution between April 2011 and December 2015. There were 81 patients aged 80 years or older (Group O), and 454 patients younger than 80 (Group Y). Clinicopathological characteristics and perioperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results : The proportion of patients with comorbidities was significantly higher in Group O than that in Group Y. The operative time, estimated blood loss, number of retrieved lymph nodes, and postoperative complications (>= Grade II according to the Clavien-Dindo classification) did not differ between the two groups, while the proportion of D2 lymph node dissection was significantly lower in Group O than the other. Multivariable analysis revealed that the operative time was an independent predictor of postoperative complications. The 3-year overall survival rate was not significantly different between the two groups (83.6% in Group O versus 89.0% in Group Y).

Conclusion : LG can be performed safely and effectively for elderly patients with gastric cancer.