WHEN YOUR PATIENT NEEDS SURGERY - WEIGHING RISKS VERSUS BENEFITS

The likelihood of being a candidate for elective or emergency surgery increases with age. The higher rates of perioperative morbidity and mo rtality seen in older patients result in part from co-existing medical illnesses. Age alone should not be a contraindication for surgery, ho wever and the Long-term benefits of procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting appear similar for young and old. Emergency operation s account for 39 to 75% of all surgery after age 70 and carry a 20-fol d increase in mortality compared with elective procedures. Appropriate surgical interventions, therefore, should not be deferred simply beca use the patient is elderly. Age-associated changes in body composition and organ physiology contribute to the risk of perioperative complica tions.