LONG-TERM RESULTS AFTER SURGERY FOR GASTRIC CANCER IN THE AGED

We studied the long-term reuslts after surgery for gastric cancer in an over-70-year age group in comparison with a group aged under 49 years and group aged 5069 years. The five year survival rate including non-cancer deaths was 1520% lower than that when non-cancer deaths were not included. Preoperative complications were frequent in aged patients, especially cholelithiasis and pulmonary or cardiovascular disease. The frequency of stomach resection in the aged group was equal to that in the other groups, but rate of total gastrectomy in the aged was lower than in the other groups. Postoperative complications were frequent in the aged, especially pulmonary complications, anastomotic dehiscence, bowel obstruction and wound dehiscence. Non-cancer deaths were frequent in the aged, especially the figure of 45.0% for cases of combined resection of the pancreas and spleen. Main causes of death were pulmonary insufficiency, weakening and brain or blood vessel disease. From the results of the study, it seems necessary to consider patient age and possible complicating diseases and to decide the appropriate operative method carefully, so as not to extend the degree of surgical intervention in the aged.