Is the chronologic age a contra-indication for surgical palliation of unresectable periampullary neoplasms?

Methods: Early and late results of surgical palliation for unresectable periampullary neoplasms were evaluated in 24 patients older than 70 years and compared with the same results obtained from 33 younger patients. The two groups of patients were comparable, except for age. Biliary bypass associated to gastric bypass was the most common performed procedure. Results: No significant differences in the results (morbidity, mortality, and outcome) were found in the two groups of patients. In addition, the results of palliative surgery in the elderly were compared with those obtained from a comparable group of 35 patients palliated with endoscopic stent insertion: surgical palliation resulted in better long-term results. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the chronologic age is not a contraindication for surgical palliation of periampullary neoplasms and that surgery provides a better quality of residual life.