Perioperative Esophagectomy Outcomes in Older Esophageal Cancer Patients in Two Different Time Eras

To investigate perioperative outcomes of esophagectomies by age groups. Retrospective analysis of esophageal cancer patients undergoing esophagectomy from 2005 to 2020 at a single academic institution. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were analyzed by 3 age groups: <70, 70–79, and ≥80 years-old. Sub-analysis was done for 2 time periods: 2005–2012 and 2013–2020. Of 1135 patients, 789 patients were <70, 294 were 70–79, and 52 were ≥80 years-old. Tumor characteristics, and operative technique were similar, except positive longitudinal margins rates (all <3%) (P = 0.008). Older adults experienced increased complications (53.6% vs 69.7% vs 65.4% respectively; P < 0.001) attributable to grade II complications (41.4% vs 62.2% vs 63.5% respectively; P < 0.001). Hospital length of stay (LOS) and rehabilitation requirements were higher in older adults (both P < 0.05). 30-day readmissions, reoperation, and 30-day mortality rates (all <2%) showed no association with age group. Overall complications, LOS, discharge disposition and re-operative rates improved from 2005 to 2012 to 2013–2020 for all (P < 0.05). Increasing age was an independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.23–2.46 for ages 70–79 and OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.37–5.10 for ages ≥80 ), inpatient rehabilitation (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.26–5.05 for ages 70–79 and OR 12.1 95% CI 5.83–25.04 for ages ≥80), and prolonged LOS (OR 1.64 95% CI 1.16–2.31 for ages 70–79 and OR 3.6 95% CI 1.71–7.67 for ≥80. After adjusting for time period, older age remained associated with complications (P < 0.05). Highly selected older adults at a large volume esophagectomy center can undergoesophagectomy with increased minor complication and rehabilitation needs.