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. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study in the 20-year time period from 1975 to 1994, with follow-up through 1995. SETTING: Mayo-affiliated hospitals and Olmsted Community Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota. PARTICIPANTS: All men and women 100 years of age and older who underwent surgery at a participating hospital. MEASUREMENTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.