The elderly and general anesthesia.
Due to the aging population, the number of elderly patients taking advantage of healthcare services is increasing. A general physical decline of all organ systems and a high frequency of chronic disease accompanying aging.Comorbidity and polypharmacy are therefore common in the elderly. Hence, the administration of general anesthesia to the elderly can be a very challenging task. This paper aims to highlight some of the important issues presented to the elderly undergoing surgery and to suggest some strategies for management.
Steinmetz
J
J
Department of Anesthesia, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Rasmussen
L S
LS
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000379:methods*; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors