Risk factors of preoperative complications after colorectal surgery in elderly and relationship between postoperative complications and long-term survival

Background The potential risk factors of postoperative complications after colorectal surgeries in elderly and the impact of postoperative complications on long-term survival are in issue. This study aimed to identify the potential risk factors for postoperative complications and analyze the effect of postoperative complications on long-term survival. Methods A total of 258 patients of ≥ 80 years of age underwent surgery for colorectal cancer. We divided the patients into two groups: namely, a group without postoperative complications (Group A) and a group with postoperative complications (Group B). The independent risk factors of postoperative complications were evaluated in a multivariate analysis. We also compared the overall survival after CRC surgery between Group A and B. Furthermore, the survival was compared with respect to the number of potential risk factors estimated according to a multivariate analysis. Results The multivariate analysis revealed that POSSUM morbidity ≥ 60.6, and E-PASS SSS ≥ -0.09 were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. Survival curves showed that the survival rate of Group A was significantly lower than that of Group B. The survival analysis of differences in three groups showed a significant difference between them. Conclusion POSSUM morbidity and E-PASS SSS were investigated as potential risk factors for postoperative complications after CRC surgery in the elderly. The prognosis of patients with postoperative complications is worse than that of patients without complications. Preoperative management of the general condition and less-invasive surgery may therefore be important to avoid postoperative complications and achieve a long-term survival.