The influence of age on resection rates and postoperative mortality in 6457 patients with colorectal cancer

Impact of preoperative body mass index and weight loss on morbidity and mortality following colorectal cancer-a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Body weight and preoperative weight loss (WL) are controversially discussed as risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality in colorectal cancer surgery. The objective of this study is to determine whether body mass index (BMI) or WL is associated with a higher postoperative complication rate.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, data analysis of 1241 consecutive patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery in an 11-year period was performed. The main outcome measures were wound infections (WI), anastomotic leakages (AL), and in-house mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 697 (56%) patients with colon and 544 (44%) with rectum carcinoma underwent surgery. The rate of WI for each location increased with rising BMI. The threshold value was 28.8 kg/m2. Obese patients developed significantly more WI than normal-weight patients did following rectal resection (18.0% vs. 8.2%, p = 0.018). Patients with preoperative WL developed significantly more AL following colon resections than did patients without preoperative WL (6.2% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.046). In-house mortality was significantly higher in obese patients following colon resections than in overweight patients (4.3% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.012). Regression analysis with reference to postoperative in-house mortality revealed neither increased BMI nor WL as an independent risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased preoperative BMI is associated with a higher WI rate. AL rate after colon resection was significantly higher in patients showing preoperative WL. Preoperative BMI and WL are therefore risk factors for postoperative morbidity in this study. Nevertheless, this has to be further clarified by means of prospective studies. Trial registration DRKS00025359, 21.05.2021, retrospectively registered.

Review of Colonic Anastomotic Leakage and Prevention Methods

Although surgeries involving anastomosis are relatively common, anastomotic leakages are potentially deadly complications of colorectal surgeries due to increased risk of morbidity and mortality. As a result of the potentially fatal effects of anastomotic leakages, a myriad of techniques and treatments have been developed to treat these unfortunate cases. In order to better understand the steps taken to treat this complication, we have created a composite review involving some of the current and best treatments for colonic anastomotic leakage that are available. The aim of this article is to present a background review of colonic anastomotic leakage, as well as current strategies to prevent and treat this condition, for a broader audience, including scientist, engineers, and especially biomedical engineers.

Surgical approach and geriatric evaluation for elderly patients with colorectal cancer

This review aims to define the most appropriate surgical approach and geriatric evaluation for elderly patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Surgery represents the main treatment for CRC, but elderly cancer patients still represent a challenge for the surgeon due to frequent comorbidities such as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, which increase operative risk as well as the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Cancer patients with comorbidities show lower survival rates and quality of life, together with higher healthcare costs. There is also evidence that patients with comorbidities sometimes receive modified treatment, compromising optimal care. To optimize treatment, the approach to elderly cancer patients needs a multidisciplinary team to assess preoperative conditions, prevent post-surgical complications and improve outcome, especially for frail patients. Laparoscopic surgery for CRC shows a number of advantages compared to conventional surgery such as less postoperative pain, rapid return to prior activities and a decrease in costs. Recent studies confirm that laparoscopic procedures could be performed safely on both older and younger patients with no difference compared with open surgery as regards morbidity or length of hospital stay.

Whether partial colectomy is oncologically safe for patients with transverse colon cancer: a large population-based study

Due to special tumor location and technical difficulty of transverse colon cancer (TCC), partial colectomy (PC) is being widely applied in selected TCC patients, instead of extended hemicolectomy (HC). However, the oncological safety of this less aggressive surgical approach is not well studied. Here, we identified 10344 TCC patients from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results (SEER) database. The surgical treatment for those patients included PC and HC. Firstly, we compared lymph nodes evaluations between patients treated with HC and PC, including median number of nodes, the rate of nodes ≥ 12 and the rate of node positivity. Then, 5-year cancer specific survival (CSS) was obtained. Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression models were performed to assess the correlations between prognostic factors and long-term survival. Despite of less node examined by PC, the rate of node positivity was equal between PC and HC, suggesting node retrieval under PC was adequate to tumor stage. In addition, the 5-year CSS for patients who underwent PC were 67.5%, which was similar to patients who received HC (66.5%). The result after propensity score matching also confirmed the equivalent survival outcome between HC and PC. However, subgroup analyses showed that patients with tumor size ≥ 5 cm could not obtain survival benefit from PC. Furthermore, surgical approach was not considered as independent prognostic factor for TCC patients. Therefore, although PC is a less aggressive surgical approach, it should be a safe and feasible option for selected TCC patients.

Comparison of long-term outcome between hemicolectomy and partial colectomy in the elderly: a large population-based study

Due to large progress has been achieved in surgical techniques, anesthesia and perioperative care, it is accepted that the very elderly colon cancer (CC) patient is not contraindication for surgery. However, it is a controversy that an extended or a less aggressive surgical approach should be performed for this population. Here, we identified 28110 CC patients aged ≥80 from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results (SEER) database. The surgical approaches included extended hemicolectomy (HC) and partial colectomy (PC). 5-year cancer specific survival (CSS) was obtained. Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression models were used to assess the correlations between prognostic factors and long-term survival. The 5-year CSS for patients treated with HC were 45.6%, which were similar to patients who received PC (44.8%), the survival difference has no statistical significance (P=0.087). The result following propensity score matching further confirmed long-term survival were equal between HC and PC. However, patients in AJCC T3/T4 stage and with tumor size ≥5cm could obtain survival benefit from the extended surgery. In conclusion, most of elderly CC patients could not obtain survival benefit from extended resection. Partial colectomy should also be considered as an alternative approach for this group of patients.

Treatment of older patients with colorectal cancer: a perspective review

In a continuously aging population, the burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) is rising among older patients. Despite the fact that almost half of the cases occur in patients over 75 years, this age group is subjected to disparities regarding diagnostic and therapeutic options. So far, exclusion of older patients from randomized clinical trials has resulted in a lack of evidence-based guidelines. Nevertheless, newer data from studies specifically targeting older patients and subgroup analyses indicate that proper treatment planning and specific medical and geriatric assessment can achieve a safe and beneficial treatment result in older patients, often with similar outcomes to their younger counterparts. Resection of the primary tumour, if feasible, should be the primary goal of surgery aiming for cure, although it should be avoided under emergency conditions. Chronological age per se should not be an exclusion criterion for adjuvant or palliative chemotherapy, or targeted therapies. Careful patient selection, dose adjustments, close monitoring and early intervention in the event of side effects are essential. The benefits of treatment must be balanced with potential effects of treatment and patients' wishes.

A nationwide analysis of laparoscopy in high-risk colorectal surgery patients

BACKGROUND

Due to safety concerns, the use of laparoscopy in high-risk colorectal surgery patients has been limited. Small reports have demonstrated the benefit of laparoscopy in this population; however, large comparative studies are lacking.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2009 was conducted. Patients undergoing elective colorectal resections for benign and malignant pathology were included in the high-risk group if they had at least two of the following criteria: age > 70, obesity, smoking, anemia, congestive heart failure, valvular disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic pulmonary, kidney and liver disease. Using multivariate logistic regression, the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery were compared to open and converted surgery.

RESULTS

Of 145,600 colorectal surgery cases, 32.79% were high-risk. High-risk patients had higher mortality, hospital charges, and longer hospital stay compared to low-risk patients. The use of laparoscopy was lower in the high-risk group with higher conversion rates. In high-risk patients, compared to open surgery, laparoscopy was associated with lower mortality (OR = 0.60), shorter hospital stay, lower charges, decreased respiratory failure (OR = 0.53), urinary tract infection (OR = 0.64), anastomotic leak (OR = 0.69) and wound complications (OR = 0.46). Conversion to open surgery was not associated with higher mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy in high-risk colorectal patients is safe and may demonstrate advantages compared to open surgery.

Outcome of right colectomy for cancer in octogenarians

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is one of the commonest malignancies in the elderly and, as such, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. There is no consensus yet if age itself is a risk factor for adverse outcome after colectomy. The aims of the study were to evaluate the impact of age on operative results of right colectomy for cancer and to define factors that influence the postoperative mortality in octogenarians.

METHODS

Data of all patients who underwent right colectomy for colon cancer between January 2001 and December 2006 were collected retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: those who were 80 years and older and those who were less than 80 years old. Analysis included patients' demographics, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, functional status, mode of presentation, stage of disease, length of hospital stay, postoperative morbidity, and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 124 consecutive patients with right colon cancer were operated. Control group included 84 patients less than 80 year old. Study group included 40 patients 80 years or older. In Cox multivariate regression analysis, poor functional status and emergent surgery were independent factors for postoperative mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in the outcome of elective right colectomy between elderly patients and their younger counterparts. Operative mortality of emergency surgery was significantly higher in octogenarians. Emergent setting and poor functional status are major risk factors for postoperative mortality.

Risk factors for clinical anastomotic leakage and postoperative mortality in elective surgery for rectal cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Clinical anastomotic leakage remains a major problem after anterior or low anterior resection for rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the association between risk factors and anastomotic leakage and postoperative mortality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred seventy-six elective anterior or low anterior resections with anastomosis were performed and documented on-line from January 1995 to December 2004. Univariate and multivariate analyses with Bonferroni adjustment were carried out to identify relevant risk factors.

RESULTS

The rate of anastomotic leakage was 14.9% (41 of 276 patients) with a mortality of 12.2% (5 of 41 patients). Overall mortality was 2.5% (7 of 276 patients). Multiple regression analysis showed that smokers had an increased risk of anastomotic leakage [odds ratio (OR), 6.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.68-15.36] as well as patients with coronary heart disease (OR, 7.79; 95% CI, 2.52-24.08). Smokers (OR, 13.20; 95% CI, 2.48-7.24) and patients with coronary heart disease (OR, 23.46; 95% CI, 4.33-27.04) also had an increased risk of postoperative mortality in the univariate analysis as well as patients with anastomotic leakage (OR, 16.25; 95% CI, 3.04-16.92).

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking and coronary heart disease are important risk factors for anastomotic leakage and postoperative mortality after elective resection for rectal cancer.

The impact of the risk factor "age" on the early postoperative results of surgery for colorectal carcinoma and its significance for perioperative management

The risks and benefits of surgery for colorectal cancer in old patients have not been unequivocally defined. The present investigation was carried out in 309 hospitals as a prospective multicenter study. In the period between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2001, a total of 19,080 patients were recruited for the study; 16,142 (84.6%) patients were younger than 80 years (<80) and 2932 (15.4%) were 80 years and older (> or =80). Significant differences between the age groups were observed for general postoperative complications (22.3% for <80 years; 33.9% for > or =80). Specific postoperative complications were identical in both groups. Overall, significantly elevated morbidity and mortality rates were found with increasing age (morbidity: 33.9% vs. 43.5%; mortality: 2.6% vs. 8.0%). The distribution of tumor stages revealed a significantly higher percentage of locally advanced tumors in the older age group (stage II: 28.0% vs. 34.4%). In contrast, no increase in metastasizing tumors was found in the older age group (stage IV: 17.4% vs. 14.1%). Logistic regression showed that, in concert with a number of other parameters, age is a significant influencing factor on postoperative morbidity and mortality. The increase in postoperative morbidity and mortality rates associated with aging is a result of the increase in general postoperative complications, in particular, pneumonia and cardiovascular complications. Age as such does not represent a contraindication for surgical treatment. The short-term outcome and quality of life are of overriding importance for the geriatric patient.

Laparoscopic surgery in the old patient: do indications and outcomes differ?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In view of the increasing numbers of old and very old people in the general population, we evaluated the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal surgery for differences between younger and older patients.

METHODS

A total of 4,823 patients with complete data sets from a prospective, clinical observational multicentre study initiated by the "Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group" were analysed for this investigation.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 909 (18.8%) were older and 3,914 (81.2%) younger than 75 years. In the older patient group, malignant disease was a significantly more common indication for surgery. As was expected, the rate of general complications (pneumonia, cardiopulmonary problems, urinary tract infection) was significantly higher in the older patient group with its greater prevalence of preoperative comorbidity, but there no differences in terms of intraoperative or postoperative surgical complications or conversion rate between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The higher rate of postoperative complications resulting from preoperative comorbidity in the older patients makes it necessary that the indication for surgery be established with care. In view of the advantages of the laparoscopic approach with regard to the postoperative course, the preferential use of laparoscopy for the treatment of colorectal problems requiring surgery in older patients should receive serious consideration.

Adjuvant therapy for rectal cancer in the elderly

Rectal cancer, like most malignancies, is a disease of older age. By the year 2030, nearly 70% of all cancer patients are expected to be over the age of 65 years. Adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer has been one of the most important contributions of medical oncology to the health of the population, saving more lives annually than more effective therapy for less common cancers, such as Hodgkin's disease. Nonetheless, population-based studies have shown that less than half of those over the age of 65 years receive the standard adjuvant therapy for rectal cancer. In many instances, there may be legitimate reasons for this, but efforts must be made to overcome any age bias and nihilism in the use of adjuvant therapy in the treatment of rectal cancer in the elderly. Although the elderly have been under-represented in clinical trials, they have been shown to tolerate cancer treatment and derive benefit from the adjuvant therapies. Despite early reports to the contrary, older patients have been shown to tolerate surgical resections for rectal cancer as well as their younger counterparts. Studies have supported the use of combined modality therapy as standard adjuvant care for clinical T3 rectal cancer in the preoperative setting and for patients with T3 and/or N1/N2 disease in the postoperative setting, wtih improved rates of sphincter preservation, recurrence and overall survival.