Problems in general anaesthesia. Geriatrics

Elderly patients are at considerable risk during and following general anaesthesia due to the physiological changes which occur with age, the fact that they commonly undergo major surgery, and that there is a high incidence of associated cardiovascular and respiratory disease. This paper attempts to emphasize important points that the anaesthetist should be looking for, and to explain why. Pathological states, although common in this age group, will not be mentioned; the dicussion will apply only to healthy aged patients.