A Surgeon’s Guide to Treating Older Patients With Colorectal Cancer

Purpose of Review: Review strategies to improve outcomes of colorectal cancer treatment in older patients. Recent Findings: Older colorectal patients face many barriers to recovery during their initial inpatient stay following surgery and after leaving the hospital. In addition to the risk of inpatient morbidity and mortality, older patients are more likely to require post-acute care services to face nutritional deficits and to experience complications of chemoradiation. Summary: In order to improve outcomes for older patients with colorectal cancer, it is important for surgeons to recognize their unique needs and to develop plans to address them. The involvement of a multi-disciplinary team with geriatric experience can guide planning for surgery, the immediate postoperative recovery, and long-term survivorship.