[Psychiatric aspects of surgical therapy in advanced age]

Nowadays, in medical treatment of the aged, anaesthesiology and surgical techniques permit extensive operative interventions, whereby there ist no given age limit. Apparently, possible psychic problems which often occur in old age play no role; publications in this area are scarce. Very little research has been carried out concerning the problem of patient's consent for the operation, the risks involved in anaesthesia and operation which are probably increased by brain deficiency, and the patient's reduced ability to cooperate in rehabilitation. So far, there are many questions but few answers.