title: The art and science of perioperative consultations.
abstract: The population age 65 years and older is the most rapidly growing segment. This population has a high rate of undergoing surgical procedures, much higher than any younger age group. An aggressive approach to the prevention of complications in elderly patients permits them to come through even the most operation. No patient should be denied an operation on the basis of age alone. The article discusses the responsibilities of medical and surgical physicians in the care of elderly, the goals of any medical or surgical intervention and the potential sources of risk.
authors.affiliation: VA Medical Center, San Juan, P.R.
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Vargas
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000706:statistics & numerical data