Surgery of the geriatric patient

The geriatric patient commonly requires surgical intervention. Although precaution is warranted, age alone is not a contraindication to surgery. A problem-oriented approach is needed, along with proper surgical planning that incorporates preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative needs of the patient. This article discusses both perioperative management theory and practical surgical techniques that can be applied to the aged animal. Many of the principles discussed are not limited to the practice of geriatric surgery but reflect reactions of aging patients to specific disease pathologies.