Carcinoma of the colon and rectum in geriatric patients.

In the period 1967-1981, 102 patients older than 70 years were treated for a colorectal carcinoma. The mean age was 76 years. The average delay was 7.6 months. Obstruction as initial symptom was seen in only 8% of the cases. The resection rate was 85%. The postoperative mortality rate was 6% for patients patients who underwent a resection. For all patients the postoperative mortality rate was 8%. The five-year survival rate for stage A (Astler-Coller) was 37%, for stage B 27%, for stage C 8%, for stage D 0%. Of the whole group, the actuarial five-year survival rate was 27%, the ten-year survival rate 10%. Surgery for colorectal carcinoma in the elderly is well tolerated, and a resection should be pursued as long as the general condition permits.