Robot-assisted surgery is just as safe for older patients with colorectal cancer as it is for younger patients, according to research from the colorectal surgery department at UZ Brussel.
The study, recently published in the Journal of Geriatric Oncology, challenges the widespread belief that curative surgeries for patients over 70 years old inherently carry higher risks.
Researchers examined 231 patients who underwent robot-assisted surgery for colorectal cancer at UZ Brussel between 2016 and 2022. The findings indicate no significant differences in mortality within 90 days or in serious complications during that period across age groups, including those aged 80 to 89.
However, an increase in minor complications, such as urinary or respiratory infections, was observed in patients aged 70 and older. These patients also experienced slightly longer hospital stays, averaging one additional day. Cancer-specific survival rates up to five years remained consistent across all ages.
The researchers underscore that age alone should not be a deterrent for curative surgical intervention. Despite older patients often facing additional health issues, a well-selected and managed group can safely undergo such procedures.
"We demonstrate that even elderly patients with colorectal cancer can safely receive robot-assisted surgery," stated Dr. Ellen Van Eetvelde, a colorectal surgeon at UZ Brussel. "We hope these results encourage fellow doctors to also fully treat older patients when it is medically justified."
