Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of perform enterectomy in colorectal cancer patients aged 80 or older. A meta-analysis and a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the four most common cancers in the world. At present, human beings have stepped into an aging society, and the number of over eighties colorectal cancer patients has increased year by year. However, few high-quality studies focused on the post-operation complications and long-term outcomes of octogenarian patients with colorectal cancer. This meta-analysis, based on published studies, aims to assess the safety of treating octogenarian CRC patients with surgery. METHODS: Databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched until July 2022. The incidence of preoperative comorbidities, postoperative complications, and mortality was assessed using odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Furthermore, the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were applied for survival outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 13,790 patients with CRC in 21 studies were included. Our results demonstrated that octogenarian patients were associated with a higher burden of comorbidities (OR = 3.03; 95% CI: 2.03, 4.53; P = .000), high incidences of overall postoperative complications (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.29, 2.06; P = .000), high internal medicine postoperative complications (OR = 2.38; 95% CI: 1.76, 3.21; P = .000), high in-hospital mortality (OR = 4.01; 95% CI: 3.06, 5.27; P = .000) and poor overall survival (OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.78, 2.55; P = .000). But there is no statistical difference in surgery-related postoperative complications(OR = 1.16; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.43; P = .16) and DFS (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.83, 1.29; P = .775). CONCLUSIONS: Extremely elderly patients with colorectal cancer have the high burden of comorbidities, high postoperative complications and mortality. However, survival outcomes (DFS) in patients 80 years and older are similar to younger patients. Clinicians should administer individualized treatment for such patients. Physiologic age rather than chronological age should determine cancer management for each individual.

Liver resection versus radiofrequency ablation in octogenarian patients for hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score multicenter analysis.

BACKGROUND: Liver resection (LR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are considered curative options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after LR and RFA in octogenarian patients with HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study included 102 elderly patients (> 80 years old) treated between January 2009 and January 2019, who underwent LR or RFA for HCC (65 and 37 with, respectively). RESULTS: After Propensity Score Matching, the postoperative course of LR was burdened by a higher rate of complications than RFA group (64% vs 14%, respectively, p: 0.001). The LR group had also significantly longer operative time (207 ± 85 min vs 33 ± 49 min, p < 0.001) and postoperative hospital stays than the RFA group (7 d vs 2 d, p = 0.019). Overall survival at 1-, 2-, and 3-year were 86%, 86%, and 70% for the LR group and 82%, 64%, and 52% for the RFA group (p = 0.380). Disease-free survival at 1-, 2-, and 3-year were 89%, 74%, and 56% for the LR group, and 51%, 40%, and 40% for the RFA group (p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Despite a higher rate of Dindo-Clavien I-II post-operative complications, a longer operative time and length of hospital stay, LR in octogenarian patients can provide comparable 90d mortality than RFA and better long-term outcomes.

Feasibility of a tailored ERAS programme in octogenarian patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is nowadays a widely accepted multimodal programme of care in colorectal surgery, but still there is some reluctance in its application to very elderly patients. AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate short-term outcomes of laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer in octogenarian patients within the ERAS programme. METHODS: Data on 162 consecutive patients aged ≥ 80 years receiving elective minimally invasive colorectal resections within ERAS programme were collected in a multicentre, retrospective database in the period 2008-2017 in Italy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess possible risk factors for poor clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The postoperative minor morbidity rate (Clavien-Dindo 1 and 2) was 25.9%. The incidence of postoperative major morbidity rate (severe medical and surgical complications defined as Clavien-Dindo 3 and 4) accounted 6.1% and only 1.8% had an anastomotic leakage. Reoperation rate was 5.5%, perioperative 30-day mortality was 1.8%, and 30-day readmission rate was 6.8%. On average, patients were released after 6 days. A univariate analysis showed that possible risk factors for severe medical complications were: low preoperative albumin level, high Charlson Age Comorbidity Index Score and number of days in the intensive care unit (ICU); risk factors for severe surgical complications were: low preoperative albumin level; risk factors for late hospital discharge were: multivisceral resections, number of days in ICU and body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2. The multivariate analysis confirmed a low level of preoperative albumin and a longer ICU stay as independent risk factors for both postoperative severe surgical complications and late hospital discharge. DISCUSSION: The minimal invasive nature of the laparoscopic approach together with a multimodal analgesia therapy, the early resumption to oral diet and mobilisation could minimize the surgical stress and play an essential role in order to reduce medical morbidity in high-risk patients. CONCLUSION: Colorectal surgery within ERAS programme in octogenarians is a safe and flexible treatment in high-volume centres.

Cephalic pancreatoduodenectomy in octogenarian patients with pancreatic tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Current literature supports the claim that performing a cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy (CPD) as treatment for pancreatic cancer (PC) is associated with an increase in median survival, both in octogenarian (≥80 years) patients as well as younger patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective and comparative trial, comparing results for CPD performed on 30 patients ≥80 years with PC and 159 patients <80 years. RESULTS: The patients in the octogenarian group showed a significantly higher rate of preoperative cardiovascular morbidity and a more aggressive tumoral behaviour, including more significant preoperative anemia, jaundice and levels of CA 19-9, higher vascular and neural invasion, and a lower rate of R0 resection despite using the same surgical technique. There were no significant differences in terms of postoperative complications. Postoperative mortality was similar in both groups (3.3% in octogenarians vs 3.1% in patients <80 years). Mortality during follow-up was mainly due to tumour recurrence, cardiovascular complications and COVID-19 in 2 elderly patients. Actuarial survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was significantly larger for patients <80 years old, as compared to octogenarians (85.9%, 61.1% and 39.2% versus 72.7%, 28.9% and 9.6%, respectively; P = 0.001). The presence of a pancreatic fistula and not using external Wirsung stenting were significantly associated with 90-day postoperative mortality after a CPD. CONCLUSIONS: Morbidity and mortality post-CPD is similar in octogenarians and patients younger than 80, although long-term survival is shorter due to more aggressive tumours and comorbidities associated with older age.

Clinical Outcomes in Patients Aged 80 Years or Older Receiving Non-Invasive Respiratory Support for Hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure Consequent to COVID-19.

As the clinical outcome of octogenarian patients hospitalised for COVID-19 is very poor, here we assessed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients aged 80 year or older hospitalised for COVID-19 receiving non-invasive respiratory support (NIRS). A multicentre, retrospective, observational study was conducted in seven hospitals in Northern Italy. All patients aged ≥80 years with COVID-19 associated hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (hARF) undergoing NIRS between 24 February 2020, and 31 March 2021, were included. Out of 252 study participants, 156 (61.9%) and 163 (64.6%) died during hospital stay and within 90 days from hospital admission, respectively. In this case, 228 (90.5%) patients only received NIRS (NIRS group), while 24 (9.5%) were treated with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) after NIRS failure (NIRS+IMV group). In-hospital mortality did not significantly differ between NIRS and NIRS+IMV group (61.0% vs. 70.8%, respectively; p = 0.507), while survival probability at 90 days was significantly higher for NIRS compared to NIRS+IMV patients (0.379 vs. 0.147; p = 0.0025). The outcome of octogenarian patients with COVID-19 receiving NIRS is quite poor. Caution should be used when considering transition from NIRS to IMV after NIRS failure.

Reappraisal of the validity of surgery for patients with pancreatic cancer aged 80 years or older stratified by resectability status.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the validity of surgical resection for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) aged ≥80 years stratified by resectability status. METHODS: Medical records of 245 patients with resectable (R) and 169 with borderline resectable/unresectable (BR/UR) PDAC were reviewed retrospectively. Of the total of 414 patients, 56 (14%) were ≥80 years. The prognostic impact of age ≥80 years was analyzed with stratification by resectability status. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the incidence of major complications between patients aged ≥80 versus <80 years (12% vs. 16% respectively; P = 0.53). However, patients aged ≥80 years were significantly less likely to receive adjuvant gemcitabine + S-1 chemotherapy than those <80 years (39% vs. 83%, respectively; P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses identified age ≥80 years as an independent risk factor for poor survival in the BR/UR group (P = 0.01), whereas it did not affect survival in the R group. CONCLUSION: Patients aged ≥80 years had a similar prognosis to <80 years in R PDAC, whereas they had significantly worse prognosis in BR/UR PDAC. These findings suggest that surgical resection for patients with PDAC aged ≥80 years is validated in R PDAC, whereas its survival benefit might be limited in BR/UR PDAC.

'I hope you get normal again': an explorative study on how delirious octogenarian patients experience their interactions with healthcare professionals and relatives after aortic valve therapy.

BACKGROUND: Delirium affects nearly half of octogenarian patients after aortic valve replacement, resulting in impaired cognition, reduced awareness and hallucinations. Although healthcare professionals and relatives are often present during episodes, the nature of interactions with them is scarcely studied, and little is known about their long-term experiences. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe how octogenarian patients with post-aortic valve replacement delirium experience interactions with healthcare professionals and relatives within the first year and four years later. METHOD: An explorative design with qualitative content analysis was used. Delirium was assessed for five consecutive days after aortic valve replacement using the Confusion Assessment Method. Delirious patients ( n=10) were interviewed 6-12 months post-discharge and four years later ( n=5). We used an inductive approach to identify themes in transcribed interviews. FINDINGS: An overarching theme emerged: ' Healthcare professionals' and relatives' responses made a considerable impact on the delirium experience postoperatively and in a long-term'. Three sub-themes described the patients' experiences: ' the need for close supportive care', ' disrespectful behaviour created a barrier' and ' insensitive comments made lasting impressions'. Having healthcare professionals and relatives nearby made the patients feel secure, while lack of attention elevated patients' emotional distress. Four years later, patients clearly recalled negative comments and unsupportive actions in their delirious state. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals and relatives have an essential role in the aortic valve replacement recovery process. Inconsiderate behaviour directed at older patients in delirium elevates distress and has long-term implications. Supportive care focused on maintaining the patients' dignity and integrity is vital.

Non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes in octogenarians: applicability of the GRACE and CRUSADE scores.

INTRODUCTION: Assessment of ischemic and bleeding risk is critical for the management of elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes, but it has been little studied. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the applicability of the GRACE and CRUSADE scores in patients aged ≥80 years with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS), and to identify the main predictors of in-hospital mortality and major bleeding in this population. METHODS: We analyzed 544 patients aged ≥80 years with NSTE-ACS included in the Portuguese Registry on Acute Coronary Syndromes and identified the predictors of in-hospital mortality and major bleeding during hospitalization. Prediction models were created for these endpoints, then compared with the GRACE and CRUSADE scores, and their applicability to the study population was assessed. RESULTS: Use of coronary angiography was associated with reduced risk of in-hospital mortality, without increasing risk of major bleeding (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.006-0.49, p=0.001). Major bleeding was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (OR 10.9, 95% CI 2.36-50.74, p=0.002), and was associated with comorbidities and pharmacological therapy during hospitalization. The GRACE score showed good diagnostic accuracy for in-hospital mortality (AUC 0.75, 95% CI 0.63-0.87, p<0.001), but the CRUSADE score had weak discriminatory capacity for major bleeding (AUC 0.51, 95% CI 0.30-0.63, p=0.942), unlike our prediction model (AUC 0.68, 95% CI 0.52-0.84, p=0032). CONCLUSIONS: The GRACE score is suitable for risk assessment in octogenarians with NSTE-ACS, but the CRUSADE score is inadequate, and new scores are required to assess bleeding risk in this age-group.

Surgery improves breast cancer-specific survival in octogenarians with early-stage breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION: No consensus exists on optimum therapy for older cancer patients. This singlecentre study was conducted to review the treatment and outcomes for octogenarian women treated for breast cancer. METHODS: Data of all elderly breast cancer patients (≥80 years) with primary breast cancer treated at out institution between 1990 and 2009. Patients with carcinoma in-situ (stage 0) and advanced breast cancer (stage IV) were excluded. Breast cancer-specific survival and disease-free survival for the different patient groups were analysed according to the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 259 patients (median age 84 years). There were 189 (73%) patients with early stage disease (I, IIA, IIB) and 70 (27%) with locally advanced disease (IIIA, IIIB, IIIC). A total of 175 (67.7%) patients underwent surgical treatment and 84 (32.4%) received primary endocrine treatment. Patients were followed for a median of 65 months. In patients with early stages, the mean breast cancer-specific survival was 108 months (95% CI 101-115) in the surgical group and 50 months (95% CI 39-61) in the non-surgical group (P < 0.01), whereas patients with locally advanced breast cancer breast cancer-specific survival was similar for the surgical and non-surgical groups. Breast cancer-specific survival and disease-free survival were significantly better among patients who underwent standard surgical treatment than among those with suboptimal surgery. CONCLUSION: In women ≥80 years with early-stage breast cancer, standard surgical treatment as compared with non-surgical therapy was associated with a better breast cancer-specific.