[Is it possible to integrate frailty of old person, in surgical procedure?].
Frailty in the elderly is an important factor of morbidity, particularly in the setting of surgery. The various pathologies that can lead to a functional decline are well known. The risk of mortality and morbidity should be assessed as a function of the nature of the surgical procedure and of the disease for which it is required; the factors of severity, the predictable duration of the procedure, and the expected blood losses must also be taken into account. The thrombo-embolic risk should finally be considered. In the elderly, one may say that the functional risk matters more than the vital risk. Frailty must be integrated into the risk assessment; however, further studies are needed to better determine the impact of that new concept. Undoubtedly, the cognitive and nutritional status are of main importance. A better knowledge of the risks should lead to validate specific interventions that could help to prevent surgical complications, shorten the length of hospital stay, and protect the self-sufficiency of the aged.
Petermans
J
J
Université de Liège. jean.petermans@chu.ulg.ac.be
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D003071:Cognition; D016330:Frail Elderly; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012306:Risk; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000401:mortality*; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology