Background: We aimed to study the early and longterm outcomes of patients 70 years and older undergoing major liver resections, and compare the results with patients below the age of 70 years.
Study design: All patients undergoing major liver resection (defined as three segments or more) from January 1993 to June 2004 were included. Patients were studied in two groups: 70 years of age and older (group E, elderly) and less than 70 years old (group Y, young). Early outcomes and longterm survival were analyzed.
Results: A total of 517 patients underwent major liver resection: group E, n=127; group Y, n=390 patients. There was no difference in operative mortality (group E, 7.9%; group Y, 5.4%; p=0.32) or postoperative morbidity (p=0.22) between the groups. Overall and disease-free survivals were not notably different for all patients (59% versus 57%, p=0.89; 60% versus 55%, p=0.28, respectively) or for a subgroup of patients with colorectal liver metastases (61% versus 55%, p=0.76; 60% versus 47%, p=0.07) in groups E versus Y, respectively. In multivariable analysis, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 3 (p=0.024, hazard ratio [HR]=1.59, versus grade 1, 95% CI=1.06 to 2.39) and intraoperative transfusion>3 U (p<0.0005, HR=2.56, 95% CI=1.84 to 3.56) were predictors for overall survival. More than three tumors (p=0.025, HR=1.41, 95% CI=1.04 to 1.90) and redo resection (p=0.001, HR=2.80, 95% CI=1.51 to 5.19) were predictors of disease-free survival.
Conclusions: Major liver resections can be safely performed in patients 70 years of age or older, with early results and survival similar to those in the younger than 70 age group. American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 3 and intraoperative transfusions>3 U were predictors for overall survival, and more than three tumors and redo resection were predictors for disease-free survival.