OBJECTIVETo investigate clinical characteristics and rational surgical therapy for cardiac cancer patients over 70 years.

METHODSFrom 1991 to 2003, clinical data of 206 patients with advanced cardiac cancer were collected and analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups as the group of patients over 70 years old (103 cases) and the group younger than 70 years old (100 cases).

RESULTSThere were no significant differences in tumor pathologic types, tumor staging and surgical approaches(P> 0.05),but there were significant differences in clinical symptoms and coexistent diseases between two groups(P< 0.01). Patients over 70 years had main clinical symptom of dysphagia in 64% ,coexistent heart and lung disease in 63% and 73% ,respectively; anaemia and hypoproteinemia in 63% and 34% ,respectively. Total gastrectomy via abdomen was performed in 78% and 73% of two groups respectively (P> 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications such as pulmonary infection between the two groups. The operative mortality was 3% and 2% in two groups respectively (P> 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTotal gastrectomy via abdomen is a safe approach for advanced cardiac cancer patients older than 70 years. The function of vital organs should be examined before operation. It is important to take certain measurements to prevent patients from postoperative complications.