Postoperative care of the elderly
Sawamura, S.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 71(6): 1060-1064
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 23855214 Document Number: 665986
Number of elderly patients undergoing surgery is increasing in Japan owing to the increasing population over 65. Developments of less invasive surgical techniques and advances in perioperative care may also contribute. Postoperative mortality among elderly patients are higher than that in younger patients due to decreased functional reserves of nervous, cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic and renal systems. Physiological changes in vital organs of the elderly and their influences in clinical settings are depicted. Postoperative complications in the elderly, including pneumonia, aspiration, myocardial infarction, delirium, cognitive dysfunction and cerebral infarction are described. Management and preventive strategies of postoperative complications are also discussed.