Laparoscopy in patients over 60 years old: a prospective, randomized evaluation of laparoscopic versus open adnexectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare objective and subjective parameters of surgical stress following laparoscopic and open adnexectomy in patients older than 60 years old.


METHODS
Twenty patients with a benign ovarian tumour were prospectively randomized to undergo adnexectomy by a laparoscopic or an open surgical procedure. Measurements included C-reactive protein; interleukin-6 before, during, and after surgery; intensity and duration of postoperative pain; and complications and recovery period. Statistical analysis consisted of analysis of variance and a Mann-Whitney U test.


RESULTS
The levels of the interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein differed significantly between the 2 operative procedures (P = .013) in favor of the laparoscopic approach. The laparoscopic approach was associated with a reduction in operative morbidity, postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, and recovery period.


CONCLUSIONS
Minimally invasive surgery is of particular benefit to elderly patients if there is a plan in place for appropriate staging and treatment by laparotomy for malignancy. It should be the first choice and may help to reduce postoperative complications.
Buchweitz
Olaf
O
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany. buchweo@mednet.uni-muenster.de
Matthias
Stephanie
S
Müller-Steinhardt
Michael
M
Malik
Eduard
E
D000290:Adnexa Uteri / Q000601:surgery*; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies