Surgery in Persons of Older Age

Surgery in persons of older AGE (SAGE) is an observational study of patients aged 60 years and older undergoing major colorectal surgery. That is to say we are looking at how older patients recovery following surgery, and that patients who volunteer to take part will absolutely not have any changes made to patients planned treatment or surgery. Patients (identified by their Consultant) will be asked if they would like to participate in the study, agreeing to undertake an additional questionnaire, blood test, provide a urine specimen and several basic physical tests during the pre-assessment visit taking an additional 30-45 minutes. This will not affect their treatment in any way. Participation is voluntary. At the time of the pre-assessment process the patient will then be approached by a researcher, who will explain the study in more detail and obtain written consent. The questionnaire is a combination of questions, which have been used in other similar studies and may be used to identify people who are fitter than others to undergo surgery. These questions are not too dissimilar to those that may be asked during the pre-assessment process. In fact some hospitals use some of these questions (but not usually all) routinely during a hospital admission process. Several basic physical tests will be performed: hand grip strength test and some basic walking and chair rising tests. These will be supervised by the trained researcher to ensure they are carried out safely. A small blood sample (20ml) will be obtained, ideally at the same time as blood is taken for the standard pre-operative assessment process. We will also take urine specimens. The blood sample and urine specimens will be saved for tests later. There are several potential blood and urine tests that may be related to physical frailty/impairment and the aging process. The patient will undergo surgery as planned and be discharged from hospital. No researcher will interfere with the planned care or conduc