[Risk factors in the surgical patient over 80]

Authors present the experience about 266 elderly patients treated by surgery since 1985 to 1990. The range of the patient's age is comprised between 74 and 89. 113 patients (42%) have been treated in emergency, with 12% mortality. Authors report the different experiences in relation to various kinds of operations: thorax, vascular, digestive surgery, and to their level of trauma to the patients; "major surgery" distinguished from "little surgery". Elderly age is not considered as an inhibiting limit to major surgery. Only the emergency treatment leads to different situations with more risks. Absolutely necessary in the knowledge of the physiopathological modification of the elderly, and his nutritional and performance status.