ABSTRACT
InWestern countries, approximately 25% of surgical patients are over 65 years of age (1). Not only is the proportion of elderly patients per head of population increasing, but the number of elderly patients undergoing surgery is also increasing independently of this rise (2). Data for Great Britain and Ireland show that over 70% of patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer are older than 65 years (3). In addition, the incidence of bowel cancer is also increasing (4). Hence, the elderly population represents a considerable consumer of health-care resources.
