title: [Growing need for surgery as the number of elderly rises in Denmark].
abstract: In Denmark, the elderly population is growing. In the article, data from the Danish Healthcare Registry (2005-2012) was summarized for hospital admissions and outpatient contacts with surgery in patients above 75 years. Also, the number of surgical procedures and surgical-related costs in 2020 were estimated based on demographic data and the rates surgery in 2012. The number of surgical procedures and surgical-related hospital costs will increase by 27.8% from 2012 to 2020, corresponding to the increase in the number of elderly citizens. New strategies and further political prioritization is needed to meet the rising age-related challenges.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenheden, Hvidovre Hospital, Kettegård Alle 35, 2650 Hvidovre.  soeren.neermark@hvh.regionh.dk
authors.forename: Søren
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Neermark
authors.forename: Morten
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bay-Nielsen
authors.forename: Thue
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bisgaard
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy / Q000639:trends; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends