Feasibility of a tailored ERAS programme in octogenarian patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer

Background The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is nowadays a widely accepted multimodal programme of care in colorectal surgery, but still there is some reluctance in its application to very elderly patients. Aim The aim of this study is to investigate short-term outcomes of laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer in octogenarian patients within the ERAS programme. Methods Data on 162 consecutive patients aged >= 80 years receiving elective minimally invasive colorectal resections within ERAS programme were collected in a multicentre, retrospective database in the period 2008-2017 in Italy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess possible risk factors for poor clinical outcomes. Results The postoperative minor morbidity rate (Clavien-Dindo 1 and 2) was 25.9%. The incidence of postoperative major morbidity rate (severe medical and surgical complications defined as Clavien-Dindo 3 and 4) accounted 6.1% and only 1.8% had an anastomotic leakage. Reoperation rate was 5.5%, perioperative 30-day mortality was 1.8%, and 30-day readmission rate was 6.8%. On average, patients were released after 6 days. A univariate analysis showed that possible risk factors for severe medical complications were: low preoperative albumin level, high Charlson Age Comorbidity Index Score and number of days in the intensive care unit (ICU); risk factors for severe surgical complications were: low preoperative albumin level; risk factors for late hospital discharge were: multivisceral resections, number of days in ICU and body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m(2). The multivariate analysis confirmed a low level of preoperative albumin and a longer ICU stay as independent risk factors for both postoperative severe surgical complications and late hospital discharge. Discussion The minimal invasive nature of the laparoscopic approach together with a multimodal analgesia therapy, the early resumption to oral diet and mobilisation could minimize the surgical stress and play an essential role in order to reduce medical morbidity in high-risk patients. Conclusion Colorectal surgery within ERAS programme in octogenarians is a safe and flexible treatment in high-volume centres.