Minimally invasive liver resection for primary and metastatic liver tumors: influence of age on perioperative complications and mortality.

backgroundAs minimally invasive technique becomes more popular, an increasing number of elderly patients were considered for minimally invasive liver resection (MILR). Limited physiologic reserve remains a major concern, which frequently leads surgeons to recommend nonresectional alternatives. We sought to evaluate complications and outcomes of elderly patients undergoing MILR.

methodsEight hundred and thirty-one patients who underwent MILR were classified into groups A, B, and C based on age [(< 70, n = 629), (70-79, n = 148), (≥ 80, n = 54) years old, respectively].

resultsGender distribution, BMI, and cirrhotic status were comparable among all groups. Groups B and C had higher MELD (p = 0.047) and ASA (p = 0.001) scores. Operative time (170, 157, 152 min; p = 0.64) and estimated blood loss (145, 130, 145 ml; p = 0.95) were statistically equal. Overall postoperative complications were greater in groups B and C (12.9 and 9.3 vs. 6.5%, respectively). Complications in group C were all minor. Clavien-Dindo grade III-IV complications were higher in group B when compared to group A (6.8 vs. 2.7%, p = 0.43). There was no significant difference in cardiopulmonary complications, thromboembolic events, ICU admissions, and transfusion rates seen in groups B and C when compared to group A. Duration of hospital stay was statistically longer in groups B and C (3.6, 3.5 vs. 2.5 days, p = 0.0012). 30- and 90-day mortality rates were comparable among the groups, irrespective of age.

conclusionsIn spite of greater preoperative comorbidities and ASA score, there was no significant increase in postoperative morbidity after minimally invasive liver resection in patients ≥ 70 years of age.