Major invasive surgery for urologic cancer in octogenarians with comorbid medical conditions

We retrospectively reviewed the records of the octogenarian patients who underwent major surgery for urologic cancer at two institutions. The aims of our study were to assess intra- and postoperative morbidity and mortality rates, and to identify potential risk factors that can predict postoperative complications and, as a consequence, surgical outcome. METHODS: Fifty-five patients (median age: 83 yr) underwent major surgery for urologic cancer. Radical nephrectomy was performed in 27 patients, radical cystectomy with urinary diversion was done in 20 patients, and nephroureterectomy was performed in the remainder. Significant comorbidity was present in 51 patients. RESULTS: The perioperative mortality rate was 9%. The overall mortality rate was 69%; cancer-specific mortality was 28%. Intraoperative complications occurred in 11% of patients. Postoperative intensive care monitoring was required in 29% of patients. The early postoperative complication rate was 33%. Only the presence of mo