[An examination of home care for patients over age 85 after surgery]

To examine home care for patients over age 85 after surgery, we made comparisons across postoperative courses for their effects on disuse syndrome based on the duration of home care and the duration of survival. The duration of home care was long in surgical cases of patients aged under 74 and patients aged 75-84, and it was short in surgical cases of patients aged over 85. Although having trust in surgeons may delay the transition to home care, early transition is desirable. In terms of the duration of survival, surgery was effective for patients aged under 74 and 75-84, but no difference was noted between patients aged over 85 who had undergone surgical intervention and those who had undergone conservative intervention, showing that surgeries have little effect on prolonging the life of patients aged over 85. Some patients aged over 85 may become bedridden as a result of surgery. There are certainly needs for welfare facilities equipped with medical services and other such measures for those who cannot be cared for at home, but undergoing conservative treatment through integrated community care is also considered an option.