HOW DO GERIATRIC-PATIENTS RECOVER FROM SURGERY

Age is often a marker for comorbid illnesses that may complicate attem pts at surgical intervention. Careful selection is important in decidi ng to recommend surgery for geriatric patients, but selected elderly p atients may even benefit from major surgery. Ancillary services, such as nutrition, nursing, and physical therapy, are particularly importan t components in the postoperative care of geriatric patients. Case ser ies have shown the ability of geriatric patients to recover from major surgical procedures, including cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, and onc ologic surgery. In general, advanced age is not a contraindication to surgery but it reinforces the need for careful preoperative evaluation and vigorous postoperative support of the patient.