Purpose: To assess the safety and feasibility of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) in elderly patients, we investigated the clinical characteristics of patients aged ≥75 years, who underwent this procedure at our hospital.
Methods: Between November 2005 and December 2010, 84 patients underwent PD at Tokushima University Hospital. We analyzed the clinicopathological data and outcomes after PD in patients aged ≥75 years compared with those in patients <75 years.
Results: The preoperative characteristics of the elderly group (n = 28) were similar to those of the younger group (n = 56). The hemoglobin and albumin levels were significantly lower in the elderly patients (P < 0.05), who also had a higher rate of preoperative pulmonary dysfunction (P < 0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss did not differ significantly between the groups, but the incidence of pneumonia was higher in the elderly group (P < 0.05). The overall survival rate did not differ significantly between the groups.
Conclusion: Advanced age alone does not have an adverse effect on surgical outcomes, including postoperative complications and long-term prognosis. Therefore, PD may be justified for selected elderly patients.