Results of esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in elderly patients: Age has little influence on outcome and survival

Objective: The aging of the population and a longer life expectancy have led to an increased number of elderly patients with esophageal cancer being referred for surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of age on the outcome of surgery for esophageal cancer at a single institution. Methods: Perioperative outcome and long-term survival of patients at least 70 years old undergoing esophagectomy between 1992 and 2005 for cancer of the esophagus or esophagogastric junction were compared with findings in younger patients. Patients who underwent an abdominal procedure only were excluded from the analysis. Results: The analysis considered 580 patients younger than 70 years and 159 at least 70 years old. Clinical presentation in the two groups was similar, as were postoperative morbidity and mortality, despite significant differences in perioperative risk factors. Irrespective of age, overall survival was 34% at 5 years for all patients and 37% for patients with R0 resection. Conclusions: Increased experience and refinements in perioperative care explain the better results of esophagectomy in elderly patients in recent years. Short- and long-term outcomes after esophagectomy for carcinoma in patients older than 70 years are comparable with those of their younger counterparts. Advanced age per se thus should not be considered a contraindication to esophageal resection.