Microvascular reconstruction of the lower extremity in the elderly

The natural changes of aging increase perioperative medical risk factors in the elderly population. Aggressive preoperative patient evaluation and perioperative monitoring can effectively decrease morbidity and mortality rates to equal those of younger patients. The surgical strategy must take into account the increased incidence of atherosclerosis in the inflow and free-tissue transfer recipient vessels. Lower extremity microvascular reconstruction can be performed safely and successfully in the elderly patient.     

Risk factors for morbidity after pulmonary resection for lung cancer in younger and elderly patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the perioperative morbidity, mortality, and risk factors for morbidity after lung cancer resection in younger and elderly patients. This study retrospectively reviewed 1073 patients with non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) who underwent pulmonary resection. The risk factors for morbidity were analyzed independently in groups of 664 younger (<70 years) patients and 409 elderly (≥ 70 years) patients. Co-morbidities, such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and renal insufficiency were more frequently observed in the elderly group in comparison to the younger group. However, there were no statistical differences in the rates of overall morbidity and 30-day mortality between the younger and elderly groups (36% vs. 42% and 0.3% vs. 0.5%, respectively). Multivariate analyses revealed the risk factors for morbidity to be % forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)), the extent of pulmonary resection and tumor histology in the younger group, and smoking, hypertension, renal insufficiency and % diffusing capacity of the lung to carbon monoxide (DLCO) in the elderly group, respectively. In conclusion, the rate of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients were similar to those observed in younger patients. However, perioperative management should be cautiously performed while taking into account the risk factors for morbidity especially in elderly patients because they frequently have various co-morbidities.     

70岁以上老年肺癌患者的手术治疗及围手术期处理

目的：探讨老年肺癌患者的手术方式及围手术期处理。方法回顾性分析79例老年非小细胞肺癌行手术治疗患者资料。其中胸腔镜肺叶切除术47例,常规开胸肺叶切除术32例。结果胸腔镜组及常规开胸组患者术中失血量和清扫淋巴结数差异无统计学意义（P ＞0．05）;住院时间、术后心肺并发症发生率差异有统计学意义（P ＜0．05）。围手术期死亡7例,其余患者术后出现心脏、呼吸系统等并发症治疗后痊愈,均顺利出院。结论老年肺癌患者术后并发症发生率及死亡率高,围手术期处理十分重要;胸腔镜下肺叶切除术可取得良好的效果。     

电视胸腔镜围手术期并发症的回顾性分析

目的：探讨电视胸腔镜围手术（VATS）围手术期并发症原因和防治措施。方法：回顾分析374例VATS的围手术期并发症发生情况,将患者按年龄分3组,老年组（125例）、中青年组（216例）、儿童组（33例）。结果：发生围手术期并发症34例,占9．1％,其中1例死亡。中青年组织和儿童组并发症发生率分别为5．1％和3．0％,而老年组的并发症发生率为17．6％,3组之间差异有极显著意义（P＜0．01）。结论：手术者的经验和患者年龄与VATS围术期并发症的发生有关;强调循环渐进的原则可降低其发生率。     

Intramedullary fixation of diaphyseal femoral fractures in elderly patients: analysis of outcomes and complications

The efficacy of intramedullary fixation for diaphyseal femoral fractures in young patients has been well documented. There is a paucity of data, however, on the efficacy of intramedullary techniques used in the ever growing elderly population. The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcomes and rate of perioperative complications associated with using intramedullary fixation to treat diaphyseal femur fractures in patients older than 65 years. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiographs of 21 patients (17 men, 4 women) with isolated diaphyseal femoral fractures treated with anterograde intramedullary nailing at our institution. All fractures united. Ten surgical complications occurred in 9 (43%) of the 21 patients, and 7 medical complications occurred in 4 patients (19%); overall, 17 medical or surgical complications occurred in 11 patients (52%). Although more than half of the patients had an intraoperative or postoperative complication, intramedullary fixation is an effective method for achieving union in elderly patients with diaphyseal femoral fractures.     

Colorectal cancer surgery in the elderly: acceptable morbidity?

BACKGROUND: Because of the increase in the geriatric population, an increasing number of elderly patients are being treated for colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate perioperative morbidity and mortality in this population. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients 80 years of age or older who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer (1993-2006). RESULTS: Ninety patients were identified, with a median age of 84 years. More than 90% presented with symptoms; the remaining were diagnosed by screening colonoscopy. Emergent surgery was required in 10%. The morbidity rate was 21% and the overall 30-day mortality rate was 1.1%. Morbidity was higher in patients who required surgery emergently. CONCLUSIONS: Despite advanced age, the majority of patients in this study did well. Postoperative morbidity was higher than in the general population, but we believe it was acceptably low in most patients. Colorectal surgery appears to be safe in most elderly patients.     

Advantages and characteristics of the laparoscopic approach in the elderly

Both the age of the population and anesthetic and surgical techniques are advancing. Currently, 40% of surgical activity is performed in patients older than 65 years, who present a higher surgical risk than younger patients. The aim of treatment in the elderly is to provide the best possible quality of life, even though this represents a surgical challenge because of associated comorbidity and reduced cardiopulmonary reserve. From the moment at which laparotomy becomes an increased stress in the elderly, laparoscopic surgery can be particularly advantageous in this population. Therefore, minimally invasive surgery may have a greater impact in these individuals than in younger patients in reducing postoperative pain, cardiorespiratory complications, hospital stay, and recovery time before resuming physical activity. The recent advances in anesthesia, together with improved patient selection and perioperative cardiac care, and the general adoption of minimally invasive access have enabled more complex gastrointestinal procedures to be performed in the elderly. The factors that could influence the development of this type of approach in the elderly, as well as the precautions that should be taken, should be further analyzed.     

介入诊断与治疗肺癌的现状与挑战

肺癌全球发病率位居第二、死亡率位居第一,多数肺癌患者确诊时已为中晚期,失去接受根治性外科切除术的机会。随着人口老龄化,高龄或具有严重合并症患者日渐增多,因无法耐受传统手术及全身治疗而预后较差。近年来,介入技术在诊断与治疗肺癌中的应用渐趋普及,具有微创、有效、并发症少、耐受性好等优点,但仍存在诸多问题及争议。本文围绕介入诊断与治疗肺癌的现状及挑战进行述评。     

Cardiac anesthesia and surgery in geriatric patients

The average age of US population is steadily increasing, with more than 15 million people aged 80 and older. Coronary artery disease and degenerative cardiovascular diseases are particularly prevalent in this population. Consequently, an increasing number of elderly patients are referred for surgical intervention. Advanced age is associated with decreased physiologic reserve and significant comorbidity. Thorough preoperative assessment, identification of the risk factors for perioperative morbidity and mortality, and optimal preparation are critical in these patients. Age-related changes in comorbidities and altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics impacts anesthetic management, perioperative monitoring, postoperative care, and outcome. This article updates the age-related changes in organ subsystems relevant to cardiac anesthesia, perioperative issues, and intraoperative management. Early and late operative outcome in octogenarians undergoing cardiac surgery are reviewed. The data clearly indicate that no patient group is "too old" for cardiac surgery and that excellent outcomes can be achieved in selected group of elderly patients.     

Physiologic evaluation of lung resection candidates

This article reviews an evidence-based approach to the physiologic evaluation of patients under consideration for surgical resection of lung cancer. Adequate physiologic evaluation often includes a multidisciplinary evaluation, with complete identification of risk factors for perioperative complications and long-term disability including cardiovascular risk, assessment of pulmonary function, and smoking cessation counseling. Consideration of tumor-related anatomic obstruction, atelectasis, or vascular occlusion may alter measurements. Careful preoperative physiologic assessment helps to identify patients at increased risk of morbidity and mortality after lung resection. These evaluations are helpful in identifying patients who may not benefit from surgical management of their lung cancer.     

52例高龄肺癌病人的外科治疗分析

目的分析高龄肺癌患者围手术期的管理及其有效性与安全性。方法手术治疗的52例高龄肺癌患者,平均年龄75岁,行全肺切除2例,单肺叶切除33例,双肺叶切除10例,右肺袖状切除2例,肺楔形切除5例。行根治性手术48例（92.3%）,姑息性手术者4例（7.7%）。结果本组无围术期死亡,术后并发症17例（32.6%）,其中肺不张5例,肺部感染6例,心衰8例,室上性心动过速3例,心绞痛2例,下肢静脉栓塞1例,均经积极治疗痊愈出院。结论高龄肺癌患者在加强围手术期管理的前提下行外科手术治疗是安全有效的。     

Resection for bronchogenic carcinoma in the elderly

BACKGROUND: The aim of this report was to assess postoperative complications, mortality and long term survival of surgical therapy for non small cell lung cancer in patients aged 70 years or more. Results and the significance of various prognostic factors were analysed. METHODS: At Thoracic Surgery Department of Torino, from January 1980 to December 1997, 258 patients aged 70 years or more were operated on for lung cancer. For the first 11 years of the series, more restrictive selection criteria were adopted (clinical stage I or II lung cancer, absence of major concomitant disease or previous malignancy in the last 5 years); 60 patients were operated in this period. After 1990, such criteria were no longer considered mandatory; since then 198 patients have been operated. Clinical data are reviewed in the search for predictors of mortality and morbidity and survival data are analysed. RESULTS: Overall postoperative mortality was 3.1% and morbidity was 39.1%. Pneumonectomy resulted in higher rate of mortality (9.1%, p 0.03). Complications proved to be more frequent in patients with concomitant disease (55.5%). Multivariate analysis on survival showed the importance of stage (5 years survival was 73.6% in stage I, 23% in stage II, 8.9% in stage IIIa) and type of selection (57% for the highly selected, 40% for the others). CONCLUSIONS: Selection criteria have the same impact on survival as stage in surgical treatment of lung cancer in the elderly. This factor should be analysed in series covering a long period of time. Low mortality and acceptable long term survival from this study confirmed that surgery is worthwhile in elderly patients.     

Surgical treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in octogenarians

As the European population ages, surgeons are regularly faced with octogenarians with resectable early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We compared our experience with those reported in the literature to comprehend the feasibility, outcomes and lessons learned regarding surgical treatment. We reviewed octogenarians who underwent lung resection for NSCLC in the past nine years in our Department. The purpose of this paper is to retrospectively analyse postoperative surgical and oncological outcomes of our series, trying to find possible correlations between mortality, morbidity, survival and preoperative oncological and functional assessment, surgical approach and extent of resection. Eighty-two patients (M/F = 63/19), with a mean age 81.0 years (range 80-87 years) underwent lung resection for NSCLC: 63 lobectomies, one inferior bilobectomy, three segmentectomies, and 15 wedge resections. There were two perioperative deaths (2.4%). The overall complication rate was 30.0%, with a major complication rate of 2.5%. Actuarial cancer-related survival rates at one, three and five years were 90%, 44% and 36%, respectively, with a statistically-significant correlation with pathological stage. Octogenarians may benefit from surgical treatment of NSCLC with an acceptable morbidity and mortality rate, if an accurate preoperative selection is pursued.     

Complications Following Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer in the Elderly

Context

The incidence of bladder cancer increases with advancing age. Considering the increasing life expectancy and the increasing proportion of elderly people in the general population, radical cystectomy will be considered for a growing number of elderly patients who suffer from muscle-invasive or recurrent bladder cancer.

Objective

This article reviews contemporary complication and mortality rates after radical cystectomy in elderly patients and the relationship between age and short-term outcome after this procedure.

Evidence acquisition

A literature review was performed using the PubMed database with combinations of the following keywords cystectomy, elderly, complications, and comorbidity. English-language articles published in the year 2000 or later were reviewed. Papers were included in this review if the authors investigated any relationship between age and complication rates with radical cystectomy for bladder cancer or if they reported complication rates stratified by age groups.

Evidence synthesis

Perioperative morbidity and mortality are increased and continence rates after orthotopic urinary diversion are impaired in elderly patients undergoing radical cystectomy. Complications are frequent in this population, particularly when an extended postoperative period (90 d instead of 30 d) is considered.

Conclusions

Although age alone does not preclude radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive or recurrent bladder cancer or for certain types of urinary diversion, careful surveillance is required, even after the first 30 d after surgery. Excellent perioperative management may contribute to the prevention of morbidity and mortality of radical cystectomy, supplementary to the skills of the surgeon, and is probably a reason for the better perioperative results obtained in high-volume centers.     

Laparoscopic renal surgery in the elderly

It is clear that laparoscopic renal surgery has significant advantages over open renal surgery. However, current data on whether these benefits carry over to the elderly are less robust. The objective of this study was to compare the perioperative parameters of laparoscopic nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy in patients aged 70 and over versus those under 70 years of age. The new scoring system, the "E-PASS" (estimation of physiologic ability and surgical stress) was also studied. This scoring system predicts the postsurgical risk by quantifying the patient's reserve and surgical stress. E-PASS comprises the perioperative risk score (PRS), the surgical stess score (SSS), and the comprehensive risk score (CRS) that is determined using the other two scores. Between January 2006 and December 2009, a total of 55 patients who underwent laparoscopic renal surgery met the study inclusion criteria. The perioperative parameters were comparable in the younger patients and the older patients, including SSS, the postoperative complication rate, the operation time and the hospital stay. Laparoscopic renal surgery is feasible and well tolerated in elderly patients, with a low perioperative morbidity and surgical stress. Further examination on the E-PASS scoring system for application to urologic surgery was considered to be necessary. Age alone should not exclude elderly patients from definitive treatment at the outset.     

Perioperative Complications of Breast Cancer Surgery in Elderly Women (≥80 Years)

Purpose

There has been much controversy regarding the optimal management of breast cancer in very elderly women. Some clinicians are reluctant to offer surgical treatment for women older than aged 80 years because of the assumed higher operative risk associated with advanced age. This study was designed to investigate the perioperative complications of breast cancer surgery in women of this age group.

Methods

Data were reviewed of all women ≥80 years of age who underwent breast cancer surgery at a university clinic during the period 1990–2005. Symptoms, comorbidities, preoperative risk assessment, type of operation, postoperative histological diagnosis, hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality were documented and analyzed.

Results

During this 16-year period, 140 operations for breast cancer were performed in 129 women. The majority of the patients (37.9%) underwent a modified radical mastectomy, 32.1% underwent a simple mastectomy, 24.3% underwent breast-conserving therapy, and 5.7% underwent an axillary lymph node dissection. Complications occurred in 37.1% of the cohort: 31.4% were minor complications and only 5.7% were major. Intraoperative morbidity was 18.6% and postoperative morbidity was 20%. Late complications occurred in 5% of patients. The most common complications were associated with the wound region (50%). The perioperative mortality in this group of elderly women was zero.

Conclusions

Breast cancer surgery has acceptable perioperative morbidity and mortality in women aged ≥80 years. Surgery is the cornerstone of breast cancer treatment and should be offered as first-line treatment for all patients regardless of their age.     

Resection for lung cancer in the elderly patient

Age is sometimes used as an excuse not to resect lung cancer. Nugent et al [10] noted that, although only 6% of patients younger than 45 years had stage I or II disease, 33% underwent surgical resection. In contrast, of the 33% of elderly patients who had stage I or II disease, only 6% underwent surgical resection. The elderly patients who are carefully selected for lung resection are undoubtedly stronger physiologically than others their same age. Patients with adequate predicted postoperative lung function, no contraindications from other medical problems, good performance status, and social support should be offered standard resection for early-stage NSCLC. Lung cancer resection in elderly patients is justified and has decreasing morbidity and mortality rates. Careful patient selection and operative planning are necessary, however. It is wise to have a diagnosis and staging done before the patient arrives in the operating suite. The surgeon should avoid extended resections when possible. In addition, elderly patients should be ambulated as soon as possible and adequate pain control should be ensured. Finally, the stage of the cancer and occurrence of cardiopulmonary complications are the main determinants of outcome.     

Carotid Endarterectomy in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients Aged 75 Years or More: Perioperative Mortality and Stroke Risk Rates

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether age per se constitutes a contraindication to surgery in the elderly patient undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with regard to operative mortality and stroke risk morbidity. During an 8-year period, 96 patients aged 75 years or more underwent 103 CEAs. The age range was 75 to 89 years, with a median age of 79 and a mean age of 79.4 years. Fifty-nine CEAs with patch closure and 44 carotid eversion endarterectomies and reimplantation were performed for symptomatic (70.9%) and asymptomatic (29.1%) carotid lesions under general anesthesia and with continuous perioperative electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring. In light of the efficacy and success achieved in this experience, advanced age does not seem in itself to contraindicate the performance of CEA; the surgical risk for elderly patients appears sufficiently low to justify the operation. A more aggressive approach may be warranted in elderly patients because of the morbidity and cost of the disease that it effectively prevents.     

Surgery for oesophageal carcinoma in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: There has been a gradual increase in the number of elderly patients referred for oesophageal surgery. The aim of this study is to review our experience with oesophageal cancer surgery in the elderly. METHODS: Between January 1974 and December 1996, 591 patients (408 males, 183 females; mean age 66 years) underwent an oesophageal resection for carcinoma. 221 were aged greater than 70 years of age (group A) and 370 less than 70 (group B). RESULTS: Total in hospital mortality was 8.8% (52/591). This has decreased to less than 5% over the last decade. There was no significant difference in perioperative morbidity or mortality between the groups (P = 0.11). When deaths from unrelated medical conditions were excluded, there was no significant difference in survival between the different age groups (P = 0.96). CONCLUSION: Oesophageal surgery can be performed in a selected elderly population with a low operative morbidity and mortality. The survival benefit of resection is the same in the elderly as for younger patients.     

The prevention and measures to complication of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer patients

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for patient with lung cancer is seemed to be more genetic in future. It is because of small wound, little ache and short hospitalization. However, dissection of lymph-nodes is necessary since it is lung cancer. Because the thoracoscopic lobectomy is performed in the limited space, troubles those we cannot predict can happen. So surgical techniques of to prevent troubles are important. And this is the first step to avoid postoperative complication. It is necessary that to grasps a state of the patient and not to leave perioperative troubles.