[Esophageal Cancer Surgery in Elderly Patients Aged 80 Years or Older].

As the population ages, the elderly are increasingly affected by esophageal cancer. We reviewed the data of elderly patients, 80 years old or older, who underwent surgery for esophageal cancer to evaluate the safety of surgery in this particular patient population. Twenty-two patients aged 80 or above underwent surgery for esophageal cancer in our department. We analyzed their preoperative assessment, concurrent disorders, surgical techniques used, postoperative course, and complications. Median age of the patients was 83 years. Eleven patients had concurrent hypertension, 5 patients had undergone a malignant tumor operation, and 5 patients had concurrent diabetes. Fifteen patients underwent esophagectomy with right thoracotomy and two-field lymph node dissection(LD), 1 patient underwent esophagectomy with right thoracotomy and three-field LD, 2 patients underwent esophagectomy with left thoracoabdominal incision and two-field LD, 2 patients underwent lower esophagectomy and proximal gastrectomy, and 2 patients underwent transhiatal esophagectomy. Postoperative complications occurred in 14 patients(63%); however, no severe pneumonia was noted. Anastomotic leakage was only observed in 1 patient. All patients were discharged with improved conditions. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 39 days. Esophageal cancer surgery can be performed safely in the oldest of elderly patients with appropriate preoperative assessment, selection of the optimal surgical technique, and perioperative care.