[Is age a risk factor for laparoscopic colorectal surgery?].

Background: The aims of this study were to evaluate the results of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in elderly patients and compare them with the results of open procedures.

Methods: An analysis of a prospectively collected database of 705 patients who underwent in the period between January 2001 and December 2006 elective laparoscopic (LAC) or open (OC) colorectal surgery was performed. The primary end point was the morbidity rate, which was analysed in relation to the age (≤ 75 years, > 75 years) and operative technique (laparoscopic, open).

Results: During the study period, 360 elective laparoscopic and 345 elective open colorectal operations were performed. 140 patients (20%) were older than 75 years (geriatrics), 60 of whom underwent laparoscopic and 80 open surgery. Both groups of patients (laparoscopic vs. open) were comparable in basic parameters. Mean operative time for laparoscopic colorectal resections was not longer (LAC 141 ± 46 min vs. OC 137 ± 57 min, n. s.); even in cases of simple stoma formation it was significantly shorter (LAC 42 ± 19 min vs. OC 78 ± 32 min, p = 0.004). In the group of younger patients (≤ 75 years) the open approach was associated with a statistically significant increase of postoperative morbidity (LAC 26% vs. OC 34%, p = 0.039). In the group of geriatric patients (> 75 years) the open approach was associated with a significantly high incidence of postoperative morbidity (LAC 27% vs. OC 48%, p = 0.012) too. In the laparoscopically operated patients, the morbidity rate did not differ in both age groups (older than 75 years 27% vs. younger than 75 years 26%, n. s.). Conversely, open procedures in elderly patients were associated with a significant increase of postoperative complications (morbidity) compared to younger patients (older than 75 years 48% vs. younger than 75 years 34%, p = 0.033).

Conclusion: On account of the lower incidence of post-operative complications, the laparoscopic approach should be indicated in colorectal surgery for geriatric patients.