Surreal illustration of elderly person surrounded by health symbols, representing informed healthcare decisions.

Frailty in Seniors: Can a Simple Test Predict Colorectal Surgery Success?

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how a quick geriatric assessment can help doctors and families make informed decisions about colorectal cancer surgery for older adults."

Colorectal cancer is a major health concern, especially as we age. In Europe, it's a leading cancer in both women and men, with over half of new diagnoses occurring in people aged 70 or older. But seniors aren't all the same; they have different health conditions, physical abilities, and geriatric challenges, which can impact how well they handle surgery and treatment.

Recognizing these differences is crucial. Geriatric assessment (GA) is a way to identify unaddressed health issues in older patients. The information from these assessments helps doctors discuss treatment options and potentially improve a patient's functional status and chances of survival. However, there's limited data on how geriatric impairments specifically affect outcomes for colorectal cancer patients.

In the Netherlands, a standard assessment called VMS is used for older adults entering hospitals. This tool quickly evaluates key areas like delirium risk, undernutrition, physical impairments, and fall risk. Now, a new study explores whether the VMS tool can predict the success of colorectal surgery in older patients, offering valuable insights for better care.

The VMS Risk Score: A Simple Predictor

Surreal illustration of elderly person surrounded by health symbols, representing informed healthcare decisions.

Researchers in the Netherlands conducted a study to determine if the VMS risk score could predict outcomes after colorectal cancer surgery. They looked at 550 patients aged 70 and older who underwent elective colorectal cancer surgery between 2014 and 2016. Before surgery, each patient was assessed for risk factors in four key areas:

The VMS assessment focuses on four critical areas of geriatric health. Each area is quickly evaluated to identify potential risks:

Delirium Risk: Assesses the likelihood of developing delirium, a state of confusion, which can complicate recovery.
Undernutrition Risk: Checks for signs of malnutrition, which can weaken the body and impair healing.
Physical Impairments: Evaluates physical abilities, like bathing and dressing, to understand the patient's functional status.
Fall Risk: Determines the risk of falling, which can lead to injuries and further complications.

Each risk factor was scored as either 0 (risk absent) or 1 (risk present), and then added up to create a total VMS risk score. Patients were then categorized into three groups: low risk (score of 0), intermediate risk (score of 1-2), and high risk (score of 3-4).

Making Informed Decisions for Seniors

This study highlights the importance of considering geriatric health factors when planning colorectal cancer surgery for older adults. The VMS risk score provides a simple and effective way to assess a patient's overall risk and predict potential outcomes. By using this information, doctors and families can have more informed discussions about treatment options and make the best decisions for each individual's unique needs.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the VMS assessment and what does it evaluate?

The VMS assessment is a quick risk assessment tool used in the Netherlands to evaluate key geriatric health factors in older adults. It focuses on four critical areas: Delirium Risk, Undernutrition Risk, Physical Impairments, and Fall Risk. Each area is assessed for the presence or absence of risk, contributing to a total VMS risk score.

How does the VMS risk score help in making decisions about colorectal cancer surgery?

The VMS risk score helps predict outcomes after colorectal cancer surgery by assessing a patient's overall risk based on geriatric health factors. By using this information, doctors and families can have more informed discussions about treatment options and make the best decisions for each individual's unique needs. Patients are categorized into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups based on their scores, enabling a more personalized approach to care.

Why is geriatric assessment important for seniors undergoing colorectal cancer surgery?

Geriatric assessment is crucial because seniors have diverse health conditions and abilities. This assessment identifies unaddressed health issues, helping doctors discuss treatment options and improve a patient's chances of survival. Conditions like Delirium Risk, Undernutrition Risk, Physical Impairments, and Fall Risk can significantly impact surgical outcomes, making a comprehensive evaluation essential.

What are the implications of Delirium Risk, Undernutrition Risk, Physical Impairments, and Fall Risk on a patient's recovery after colorectal surgery?

Each of these risks can significantly impact a patient's recovery. Delirium, a state of confusion, can complicate recovery. Undernutrition can weaken the body and impair healing. Physical Impairments indicate functional status, affecting the ability to manage daily activities. Fall Risk can lead to injuries and further complications, delaying recovery. Addressing these issues through targeted interventions can improve outcomes.

Can the VMS assessment be used outside of the Netherlands, and what are the potential benefits of using such a tool?

While the study was conducted in the Netherlands, the principles of the VMS assessment—evaluating key geriatric health factors—are applicable elsewhere. The potential benefits include a standardized way to assess patient risk, facilitating better communication between doctors and families, and enabling more personalized treatment plans. Early identification of risks allows for proactive interventions to improve outcomes and quality of life for older adults undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.