Abdominal cancer surgery in patients over 70

Between 1971 and 1986, 63 oncological patients were submitted to a major abdominal operation at our hospital. Mortality, complication rate and mean hospital stay of these patient group were comparable to those found in a control group of geriatric patients whose indication for laparotomy was a benign condition. From the presented data it is concluded that if there is an indication for surgery, in the absence of an equivalent medical alternative, the operation should be undertaken also in oncological patients, regardless of age.