[Characteristics of the aged surgery patient]

In 32 old people selected at random (16 men and 16 women) indicators of the water and mineral salt balance were investigated as well as renal and hepatic functions, nutritional status, serum insulin, thyroxine and triiodothyronine and in 12 also changes after operation. The findings indicate that it is necessary to ensure clinical and biochemical monitoring as well as proper preparation of old people for a planned surgical operation. Old people must be always considered critical patients and it is important to provide extra preoperative and postoperative care.