The influence of age on postoperative complications after total laryngectomy or pharyngolaryngectomy

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the role of age in the occurrence of postoperative complications after total laryngopharyngectomy (TLP) or total laryngectomy (TL).Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective study including all patients who underwent TLP or TL in our institution between January 2005 and December 2010. The impact of age (greater than 65 years), history of cancer treatments and comorbidities on early postoperative course was analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsOut of the 97 patients operated on, 21% had cancer of the hypopharynx and 79% of the larynx. Mean age at surgery was 63 years (41–90 years). 44% of patients were more than or equal to 65 years of age. Regarding local complications, only age (p = 0.004) had a statistically significant influence in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, age (OR 21.4, p = 0.0001) and alcohol consumption (OR 0.18, p = 0.04) were significant. Factors influencing the occurrence of general complications were, in univariate analysis: age >65 years (p = 0.003), type of surgery (p = 0.042), the presence of cardiovascular history (p = 0.47) and ASA score >2 (p = 0.007). In multivariate analysis, only age >65 years remained significant (OR 3.31, p = 0.013).ConclusionOur results highlight the importance of preoperative oncogeriatric evaluation from the age of 65 years to optimize surgical management.