Postoperative functional results of older patients after pancreas and liver surgery

Abstract

In clinical observational studies, overall survival and cancer-specific survival are usually considered the gold standard endpoints. Equally or even more important for older patients are patient-reported outcomes, defined as a set of patient­-centered measures that evaluate physical, mental, and social health. This is particularly important due to the complexity of surgical treatment and the higher risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. The studies showed that after these operations, the quality of life (QoL) decreases and that is improving with time. After 6 months there was no difference in QoL between younger and older patients. Nevertheless, the results refer mostly to the group of patients who survived the follow-up period and had no recurrence. Therefore, age itself should not be a contraindication for pancreatic or liver surgery. QoL of patients not qualified for surgery decreased constantly.