Factors Associated with 1-Year Mortality in Elderly Patients (Age ≥ 80 Years) with Cancer Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background The number of elderly patients undergoing major abdominal surgery is increasing, but the factors affecting their postoperative outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with 1-year mortality among elderly patients (age ≥ 80 years) with cancer undergoing major abdominal surgery. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted from March 2009 to December 2020. The study enrolled 378 patients 80 years old or older who underwent major abdominal surgery. The main outcome was 1-year mortality, and the factors associated with mortality were analyzed. Results Of the 378 patients, 92 died at 1 year (24.3%), whereas the 30-day mortality rate was 4% ( n = 15). In the multivariate analysis, the factors independently associated with 1-year mortality were preoperative Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) score higher than 1 (odds ratio [OR], 3.189; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.595–6.377; p = 0.001), preoperative weight loss greater than 3 kg (OR, 2.145; 95% CI, 1.044–4.404; p = 0.038), use of an intraoperative vasopressor (OR, 3.090; 95% CI, 1.188–8.042; p = 0.021), and postoperative red blood cell units (OR, 1.212; 95% CI, 1.045–1.405; p = 0.011). Survival was associated with perioperative management according to an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol (OR, 0.370; 95% CI, 0.160–0.854; p = 0.006) and supramesocolic surgery (OR, 0.371; 95% CI, 0.158–0.871; p = 0.023). Conclusion The study identified several factors associated with an encouraging 1-year mortality rate in this setting. These results highlight the need for identification of suitable targets to optimize pre-, intra-, and postoperative management in order to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.