Overall morbidity but not mortality is increased in elderly patients following cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.

Background: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) prolongs survival in selected patients with peritoneal metastases. Since this procedure is likely to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality, it remains controversial whether it is also suitable for patients older than 70 years.

Methods: Consecutive patients with radiographic evidence of peritoneal metastases (PM) were scheduled for CRS and HIPEC at the Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany.