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Medical problems in geriatric surgical patients
S O Fadiora1, T O Bello, P O Akinwusi
1Department of Surgery, Lautech Teaching Hospital, Osogbo-Osun State.
The Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal
|August 10, 2004
Summary
Elderly patients (65+) undergoing surgery require careful preoperative assessment and management. This study highlights common procedures and complications in this age group, emphasizing the need for tailored surgical care.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Surgery
- Surgical Outcomes
- Perioperative Medicine
Background:
- Advanced age is a significant risk factor for comorbidities, potentially complicating surgical interventions.
- Effective preoperative assessment and robust postoperative support are crucial for ensuring surgical safety in elderly patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze surgical outcomes in patients aged 65 years and above.
- To identify common comorbidities, anesthetic techniques, and surgical procedures in this demographic.
- To assess the incidence of complications and mortality in elderly surgical patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of surgical cases over a 15-month period.
- Inclusion criteria: patients aged 65 years and above who underwent surgery.
- Data collected included patient demographics, medical comorbidities, anesthetic methods, surgical procedures, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Out of 695 patients operated, 44 (6.3%) were aged 65 and above (mean age 70).
- Sixteen patients (36.4%) had medical problems, with urinary tract infection being most common (43.8%).
- Herniorrhaphy (36.4%) and prostatectomy (26.5%) were the most frequent procedures; spinal anesthesia was common (45.5%). Three patients had wound infections; mortality was 2.3% (one case of multiple organ failure).
Conclusions:
- Surgical management of elderly patients requires meticulous preoperative evaluation and management of comorbidities.
- Urinary tract infections and wound infections are notable complications in this population.
- While surgical risks exist, careful perioperative care can optimize outcomes for geriatric surgical patients.