Perioperative management of special populations: The geriatric patient

David B. Loran, Brannon R. Hyde, Joseph B. Zwischenberger

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Americans over age 65 represent the fastest growing segment of the United States population. As a result, the demographic landscape of America is changing. Knowledge of aged physiology is necessary to construct a risk-benefit analysis tailored for each patient to improve perioperative outcomes and lower the morbidity and mortality rates among the elderly. Benefit estimates should account for a patient's life expectancy and quality of life before and after surgery. With aging, baseline functions of almost every organ system undergo progressive decline resulting in a decreased physiologic reserve and ability to compensate for stress. Pain control, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, end-of-life issues, and realistic expectations after surgery are paramount issues throughout the perioperative period.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1259-1266
Number of pages8
JournalSurgical Clinics of North America
Volume85
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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