Alternatives to major surgery in the high-risk elderly.
The frail elderly patent with surgical disease presents a unique challenge to the geriatrician. Coexisting medical disease and increasing surgical risk coupled with a perceived reduction in benefit based on limited functional capacity or life span often make the frail elderly unable or unwilling to undergo major surgery. The many recent advances in medical therapy outlined in this review offer alternatives to major surgery in this population.
Ewen
E F
EF
Department of Medicine, Medical Center of Delaware, Wilmington.
Keating
H J
HJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D013812:Therapeutics