Colon and rectal cancer in the elderly. High incidence of asymptomatic disease, less surgical emergencies, and a favorable short-term outcome.

Background: This is a retrospective study aimed to report short-term outcome among patients age > or =70 years surgically treated for colorectal cancer.

Methods: All patients with the discharge diagnosis of colon and rectal cancer at St. Louis University Hospital from 1992 to 2002 were reviewed. Patients were assessed as to demographics, presenting symptoms, therapy, surgical morbidity and mortality.

Results: One hundred eighty-one patients age > or =70 years with colorectal cancer were identified. The mean age was 78 years; 107/181 (59%) were females. Rectal bleeding and change in bowel habits were the most common presenting symptoms. Fifty-four out of 181 (30%) were asymptomatic at diagnosis. The diagnosis was made by colonoscopy in 75% of the patients. One hundred forty-three out of 181 (79%) had colon cancer; 38/181 (21%) had rectal cancer. Fourteen out of 181 (8%) did not undergo surgery. Twenty-two out of 181 (12%) were operated on as a surgical emergency. ASA classification was I-II in 52%, III in 34%, and IV-V in 14%. Nineteen out of 38 (50%) with rectal cancer underwent a sphincter-preserving procedure. Overall, there was a 29% major morbidity from surgery. Thirty-day mortality was 11% (21 deaths). Only the development of a postoperative complication predicted mortality.

Conclusions: Elderly patients tolerate surgery well for colon and rectal cancer in the short-term. Many patients are asymptomatic at diagnosis. Surgical emergencies are few and patients have a favorable stage of disease. This data supports aggressive detection of colorectal cancer in asymptomatic elderly patients who may harbor occult colorectal cancer.