This study evaluates the effects of enhanced geriatric input on elderly patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. Half of the participants will received additional pre, peri and post-operative care from the geriatric team, while the other half will receive standard surgical care.

Additional geriatric care involves appropriate assessments and interventions by a multidisciplinary team involving geriatricians, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, surgical team, dietician and social worker. It is divided into three stages of care: 1) preoperative assessment, 2) perioperative care and 3) discharge or rehabilitation. In preoperative assessment, a comprehensive geriatric assessment will be carried out which encompasses patients medical and social backgrounds, cognitive status, nutritional assessment and risk factors identification. Perioperative care includes a joint care by surgical and geriatric teams aiming to prevent and treat any postoperative complications. Discharge and rehabilitation aim to identifies and facilities any potential discharge problem or accelerates patients for rehabilitation to the appropriate locations.

Standard surgical care will be given to patients who are undergoing colorectal cancer surgery but without the additional input mentioned above.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Consecutive colorectal cancer patients (aged 70 and over) undergoing elective colorectal cancer surgery at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
2. American Society of Anaesthesiologists fitness score of I, II or III

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Colorectal cancer patients aged 69 or under undergoing colorectal surgery
2. Patients undergoing emergency colorectal cancer resection
3. Patients with benign pathology
4. Patients with evidence of locally advanced or metastatic spread of their primary disease
5. Patient who are unable to give informed consent