The study, conducted at the Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City, evaluated the results of CABG surgery in 690 patients, 156 of whom were over 75. Patients were monitored for 12 months after surgery, and the outcome for the elderly patients were compared to the outcome for younger patients. The two groups showed similar improvements in overall physical function, reduction in angina, and improvement in quality of life.
Elderly patients did require more time to recover from surgery, and had a higher rate of complications - including neurological deficits and kidney failure. The rate of death following surgery was 3% in both groups.
DrRich Comments
The most important finding in this study is the suggestion that elderly patients can expect the same quality of life benefits from bypass surgery as younger patients. So, for elderly patients in whom angina is significantly limiting their physical activity, and who do not respond to less invasive treatments, CABG is something that should be seriously considered - despite their age.The price they may pay - such as a longer recovery time and a higher risk of neurological deficit and other postoperative complications - is not trivial, and needs to be factored in to the decision to undergo surgery. However, these risks exist for every patient receiving CABG surgery, and need to be taken into careful account, whatever the age.
