Liver Resections for Colorectal Metastases in Patients Aged Over 75 Years.

BACKGROUND: Concerns regarding postoperative complications following liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CLMs) in elderly patients may lead to preference for conservative therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of patient age in the development of postoperative complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Surgical complications were evaluated in 712 patients who underwent surgery for CLMs over the past 13 years. Seventy-two patients (10.1%) were aged ≥75 years and 640 (89.9%) <75 years. The significance of the type of liver resection, preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (ASA), Child-Pugh classification,body mass index, quality of liver tissue and preoperative oncological treatment for the development of postoperative complications were evaluated.

RESULTS: We did not find any difference in the incidence of early postoperative complications between the two groups of patients. A preoperative ASA score of 3.4 (p<0.001) was the principal factor for developing postoperative complications in patients aged ≥75 years. Postoperative complications in patients with an ASA score of 3.4 were more frequent when the body mass index was >26 kg/m(2) (p<0.02).

CONCLUSION: Patient age does not represent a contraindication to liver resection for CLMs. An ASA score of 3 or 4 and a body mass index >26 kg/m(2) are risk factors for development of early postoperative complications.