[The age limit in surgical geriatric gynecology]

From 1970 to 1989, 2880 gynecologic surgeries were performed on women aged 80 years and over in Berlin (West). During the period of observation, the operations increased continuously in number. There were 418 in 1970 to 1974; 542 in 1975 to 1979; 777 in 1980 to 1984, and 1143 procedures in 1985 to 1989. This rise can be seen in all groups of diseases. 151 postoperative deaths were reported (5.2%). However, this figure represents an incorrect "hospital-mortality". The number of postoperative deaths decreased despite the increase in surgical procedures: 44 women in 1970 to 1974 (10.5%); 36 women in 1975 to 1979 (6.6%); 44 women in 1980 to 1984 (5.7%); 27 women in 1985 to 1989 (2.4%). This demonstrates that advanced age is no contraindication to an otherwise indicated gynecologic surgery. Our findings support the clinical use of an age limit of 80 years for the examination of problems of "gynecologic surgery in the geriatric patient". This age limit serves for the general work-up of a quantitatively representative material.