FP1.6 - Prospective analysis of outcomes of colorectal resections in the over 75 age group. A single centre study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Cancer is a disease of ageing. Additionally, the population of the UK is getting older. Therefore, colorectal operations in the elderly population is becoming more frequent. Herein we analyse the outcomes of patients over 75 who have had elective or emergency colorectal surgery in a single Scottish Healthboard. Methods A prospective review was conducted of 408 patients aged 75 years and over who underwent elective or emergency colorectal surgery in our region between 2018 and 2023 was performed. Patient characteristics, operative intervention, short- and long-term post operative outcomes were noted. Results Of 408 Colorectal surgery patients, 303 were elective and 105 were emergency cases. Of these cases, 40.6% (n = 123) of elective cases and 28.6% (n = 30) of emergency patients did not experience any complications. Of these patients, 8.6% of emergency patients went from being independent to requiring full care. Emergency patients (n = 34, 32.4%) demonstrated a higher mortality rate at one year than elective cases (n = 59, 19.5%). Conclusion Colorectal Surgery in patients aged 75 years and older are associated with poor post operative outcomes, functional decline, and increased mortality. Whilst these findings are intuitive, the scale of functional decline is important to discuss with future patients when counselling future patients for such procedures.