General Surgery in Elderly Patients Aged 70 Years and Older; Do They Need Geriatric Surgical Units?

Abstract

This study reviews 1108 surgical admissions of patients aged 70 years and older, to departments of general surgery during 5 years (1989-1993). All patients were elective admissions. 682 patients (61.6%) applied with cause of benign diseases. Hernias were the most observed benign diseases with 215 cases (31.6%). 426 cases were operated with cause of malign diseases. The colorectal malign disease was most frequently observed. Cardiac insuffiency, thromboembolism and infection were seen as the most established postoperative complications. The overall mortality was 11.3 per cent of all admissions. Geriatric patients are known to have a high risk of complications and mortality which are associated with surgical procedures. This distinct population with its specific demands has stimulated the development of the field of geriatric medicine to cater to the needs of these patients. Surely the expanding patient population will demand that someone take care of the geriatric surgical patients full-time.