Comprehensive geriatric assessment can predict complications in elderly patients after elective surgery for colorectal cancer: a prospective observational cohort study

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2010 Dec;76(3):208-17. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2009.11.002. Epub 2009 Dec 14.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the association between the outcomes of a pre-operative comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and the risk of severe post-operative complications in elderly patients electively operated for colorectal cancer.

Methods: One hundred seventy-eight consecutive patients ≥ 70 years electively operated for all stages of colorectal cancer were prospectively examined. A pre-operative CGA was performed, and patients were categorized as fit, intermediate, or frail. The main outcome measure was severe complications within 30 days of surgery.

Results: Twenty-one patients (12%) were categorized as fit, 81 (46%) as intermediate, and 76 (43%) as frail. Eighty-three patients experienced severe complications, including three deaths; 7/21 (33%) of fit patients, 29/81 (36%) of intermediate patients and 47/76 (62%) of frail patients (p=0.002). Increasing age and ASA classification were not associated with complications in this series.

Conclusion: CGA can identify frail patients who have a significantly increased risk of severe complications after elective surgery for colorectal cancer.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cohort Studies
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / therapy
  • Elective Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome