Outcomes of anesthesia and surgery in people 100 years of age and older.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the outcomes of anesthesia and surgery for men and women 100 years of age and older.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort study in the 20-year time period from 1975 to 1994, with follow-up through 1995.


METHODS
Mayo-affiliated hospitals and Olmsted Community Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota.


METHODS
All men and women 100 years of age and older who underwent surgery at a participating hospital.


METHODS
Forty-eight-hour and 30-day perioperative morbidity and mortality; long-term survival.


RESULTS
Thirty-one men and women aged 100 to 107 years underwent 42 procedures. One major complication (3%) within 48 hours was observed. The 48-hour, 30-day, and 1-year mortality rates were 0%, 16.1%, and 35.5%, respectively. When compared with survival rates for age-, gender-, and calendar year of birth-matched peers from the general population, the survival rate for centenarians who underwent surgery and anesthesia was comparable to the rate expected.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that people 100 years of age and older who have operable diseases or injuries should not be denied surgical interventions because of perceived risks associated with their advanced age.
Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
M A
MA
Warner
R A
RA
Saletel
D R
DR
Schroeder
D O
DO
Warner
K P
KP
Offord
D T
DT
Gray
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000401:mortality*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000401:mortality*; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome