[An analysis of factors which can be influenced in geriatric surgery (author's transl)]

A retrospective study has been made of 1457 surgical patients over 70 years of age in three one-year periods (1960/61, 1969, 1973). While the average age remained 77, there has been changes in the frequency of diseases leading to hospitalisation. Degenerative lesions and casualties have increased. There are more elderly patients undergoing major surgery. On the contrary the mortality has reduced to 7.8%. The results of geriatric surgery are influenced by previous and concomitant diseases, the surgical lesion and the type of therapy. Suggestions for reducing the number of emergency operations are discussed. When necessary smaller palliative operation which improve the quality of life should be considered instead of major curative surgery. Surgery in the aged is a speciality and requires simultaneous consideration of various factors.