[Requirements for perioperative intensive care of geriatric patients]

Demographic change has also caused changes in perioperative intensive care because the proportion of geriatric patients who must undergo surgical procedures is increasing. With the current preoperative assessment instruments, it is still not possible to identify high-risk patients of this collective or to make a reliable prognosis concerning postoperative course.

In addition to pain control, important aspects to minimize complications in postoperative intensive care include adequate oxygenation, adequate fluid management, an adequate supply of energy and nutrients, good control of blood sugar levels, and early mobilization of patients.

The perioperative intensive care treatment of geriatric patients requires the readiness to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration because only with this close dialog can the treatment results be sustained.