Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer in Elderly Patients Over 70 Years of Age

Song, Suk Won; Lee, Hyun Sung; Kim, Moon Soo; Lee, Jong Mog; Zo, Jae Ill

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Advanced age in Esophagectomy increases the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, the recent development of operative technique and perioperative care might have decreased the postoperative morbidity and mortality after esophagectomy. MATERIAL NAD METHOD: From March 2001 to July 2004, 174 patients underwent esophageal resection for esophageal cancer in the Center for Lung Cancer, National Cancer Center. The patients were divided into two groups : group 1 consisted of 27 patients aged 70 years or more, and group 2 consisted of 147 patients under 70 years of age. The two groups were compared according to preoperative risk factors, postoperative morbidity, operative mortality and survival. RESULT: The mean age was 63.4. There were 159 men. On histopathological examination, 93.1% had squamous cell carcinoma. On the locations, 78.7% were in mid and lower esophagus. Curative resections for esophageal cancer were possible in 162 (93.1%) patients. Mean hospital stay was 19.4 days with out difference between the groups. The overall postoperative morbidity were occurred in 61 patients (35.1%). The most frequent morbidity was pulmonary complication in 30 (17.2%). Preoperative incidence of hypertension, cardiac and pulmonary dysfunction were more common in Group I. However, there was no difference in overall postoperative morbidity, operative mortality and survival rate between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Esophagectomy for esophageal cancer could be carried out safely in patients over 70 years of age with satisfactory short-term results. Advanced age is no longer a risk factor for esophagectomy.