Surgical outcomes in the elderly with inflammatory bowel disease are similar to those in the younger population

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a bimodal distribution with approximately 15 % of patients manifesting after age 65. Previous reports suggest an increased risk of surgical complications in the elderly. Aim: To compare surgical outcomes in elderly IBD patients (≥65 years at the time of surgery) to matched younger IBD cohorts. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study at a single academic center of patients who underwent surgery for IBD. Forty-two elderly patients (≥65 years) were matched at least 1:1 (median 1:5) to patients in each of three control groups [18-35 years (n = 71); 36-49 years (n = 62); 50-64 years (n = 58)] according to gender, disease type/location, and type of surgery. Postoperative complications were compared. Patient characteristics were used in multivariate risk models. Analysis was performed using ordinary logistic regression. Results: Twenty ileal or ileocolonic resections, 12 partial or total colectomies, four stricturoplasties, and six laparoscopic partial or total colectomies were performed in the elderly group. The post-operative complication rate was not statistically different between the elderly and younger cohorts (38 % vs. 39 % vs. 40 % vs. 48 % in the 18-35, 36-49, 50-64, and ≥65 years groups, respectively, p = 0.26). The only significant risk factors for complication were Charlson comorbidity index (p = 0.0002), preoperative hemoglobin (p = 0.0065), total parenteral nutrition use (p = 0.024), and failed medical therapy (as the indication for surgery) (p = <0.0001). Conclusions: The surgical complication rate among elderly and younger IBD patients was similar. Advanced age by itself should not be considered a risk factor for adverse operative outcome.