[Experiences with oscilloresistometry in addition to spirometry in preoperative function diagnosis in the elderly]

A sample of 57 geriatric surgical patients were investigated with the aim of establishing which additional information the forced oscillation method yields for the assessment of an increased operation risk as compared with spirometry. In addition to the proved diagnosis of a restrictive ventilatory disturbance as causing a limitation of the maximum available respiratory volume, the measuring of the oscillatory resistance makes it possible in particular to prove and quantify the obstruction. Over and above this, the measuring of resistance fluctuation while breathing at rest makes it possible to differentiate a geronto-typical exobronchial component of the obstruction. Conclusions are drawn for the improved care of geriatric surgical patients.