Methods: The clinical files of 120 patients (70 patients 65 to 79 years-old; 50 patients ≥80-years-old) who underwent surgery in our cardiovascular surgery clinic between February 2007 and February 2009 were retrospectively investigated. Patients were divided into two groups as group 1 (age between 65 and 79 years) and group 2 (age 80 years and over).

Results: No difference was found between the groups in terms of gender, the (American Society of Anesthesiologists) ASA score, and preoperative comorbidities. One patient in group 1 and eight patients in group 2 had emergency operations. Euroscore values in the group 2 were significantly higher (p<0.001). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, or and the condition at the time of discharge. In group 2, mortality occurred in seven patients, but it occurred in only three patients in group 1.

Conclusion: Although the risk of postoperative complications, duration of intensive care unit stay, duration of hospital stay, and mortality rate in very elderly patients with heart disease were high, the results obtained in this group were within a relatively acceptable range. Considering the life expectancy of the patients, we think that opting for surgery in this patient group involves an acceptable risk level.