Elective surgery for colorectal cancer in the aged: A clinical-economical evaluation

A series of 56 consecutive patients, referred for surgery to a specialized institute, had elective laparotomies with various surgical procedures aimed at curing locoregional colorectal cancer. Data defining patient and tumour-related preoperative, operative and post-operative variables, including costs, were collected. The study group was divided into two age groups (< 65 vs greater than or equal to 65 years), which were similar in terms of patient- and tumour-related variables. Differences were not statistically significant (pound 440; 95% exact CI; pound -50; 1800). There is no evidence to suggest that there are any total charge differences in treating the two age groups, as confirmed by the cost analysis.