Elective Surgical Intervention in Older Adults

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, today, chronological age alone is not a limitation for undergoing any type of anesthesia due to a greater emphasis on the study of gerontology, as well as a population that is increasingly health-conscious; there is also a greater emphasis on the prevention of long-term disability and disease earlier in life. The author points out that older individuals have complex metabolic and physiological changes, which require special consideration in pre-, peri- and post-operative management. The paper stresses that it is important to remember that not only do these patients require close physical monitoring, but also psychological issues, fear, and pain must be addressed to improve long-term survival rates and improve outcomes for patients.

From the Paper:

"Interestingly enough, more and more studies are being started that primarily investigate anesthetic practices in the elderly population. An interesting study performed at the Mayo Clinic actually followed the postoperative course of a group of patients over 100 years old who underwent both elective and emergency surgeries. The post-operative mortality rate was compared to that of similar patients with similar socioeconomic and physical conditions of the same age. It was found that these patients were more and more demonstrating that they were living productive and independent lives before they developed the disease or injury, which required the surgical intervention. It was felt that the risk of the age was not as significant as the impact of the indication for the surgery."

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