A comparison of laparoscopic versus open rectal surgery in 114 consecutive octogenarians.

Abstract

The study is a retrospective review of the short-term outcome of all elective rectal resections in 114 consecutive octogenarian patients during the 10-year period January 2000 to December 2009. Sixty laparoscopic and 54 open resections were completed. The two groups were evenly matched for age (mean 83 years), American Society of Anesthesiologists score (mean 2.5) and pathology (malignancy 60%). Morbidity and mortality were comparable with no significant differences. Only length of stay in uncomplicated recoveries was significantly different in favour of laparoscopic surgery at 10 vs 14 days, P < 0.003. Laparoscopic rectal resection is suitable for octogenarians.