Nutritional support in the frail elderly surgical patient

Malnutrition is common in the elderly population, particularly residents living in nursing homes. The decrease in nutrient intake associated with aging reduces cellular function and reserve capacity. Refeeding of malnourished elderly patients prior to elective surgeries, or following emergency surgeries, can reduce surgical morbidity and mortality. A large number of elderly patients become unable to maintain their nutritional status by oral feedings. Modern techniques and materials allow the use of the gastrointestinal tract for nutritional support in most of these patients. The ultimate goal for health care in the 1990s is to provide quality life at home. Nutritional support has become an integral component of home services for the elderly.