One hundred and fifty five patients had been operated on for colorectal cancer in our hospital between 1990 and 1994. They were classified into three groups according to age: 26 patients over 80 years old (Group A); 40 patients from 70 to 79 years old (Group B); and 89 patients less than 69 years old (Group C). Preoperative total complication rates were higher in Groups A and B than in Group C (p<0.01). Cerebrovascular diseases, respiratory dysfunction and hypoproteinemia occurred frequently in Groups A and B. Postoperative total complication rates were also higher in Groups A and B. Respiratory dysfunction and mental disorders were common. Operation methods and time, anesthesia time and the amount of bleeding decreased in the elderly patients (p<0.05). Limited operations and spinal or epidural anesthesia tended to be accepted treatments for Groups A and B.
Because of a rapid increase in pre and postoperative total complication rates among patients over 70 years old, we now categorize patiets over 70 years old as elderly for surgical treatment. We must be especially careful of postoperative respiratory dysfunction and mental disorders in surgical treatment for elderly patients.