Morbidity of cytoreductive surgery in the elderly

Objectives: While ovarian cancer is often seen in elderly patients, such women are often not treated as aggressively as younger patients. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and morbidity of cytoreductive surgery in the elderly. Study design: A retrospective review was performed of all patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma who underwent exploratory laparotomy. Patients were stratified by age into those younger than 70 years of age and those 70 years of age and older. Results: A total of 175 patients, 129 (74%) in the younger cohort and 46 (26%) in the older cohort, were identified. Optimal cytoreduction to a largest tumor diameter of <1 cm was possible in 82% of the younger patients vs 81% of the elderly (P = 1.00). The stage distribution, complication rate, duration of hospital stay, and survival were similar between the groups. Conclusion: Aggressive surgical cytoreduction is both safe and feasible in elderly patients. Advanced age should not be considered a contraindication to cytoreductive surgery.