Surgery in the aged.

Coincident with improvement in medical care and life-styles, the longevity of the population of the United States is increasing. As the population ages, more surgical procedures will be performed in elderly patients. The effects of the aging process on organ systems generally does not compromise function under normal conditions. However, the elderly patient may not be able to meet the metabolic demands of a hypermetabolic state. Operative outcome for the most part is related more to the urgency of the procedure than to the age of the patient. With the proper preoperative evaluation and postoperative care, the elderly patient at risk for perioperative morbidity and mortality can be identified and outcome approved. In most cases age in and of itself is not a contraindication to surgical intervention. Surgical problems in the aged patient can and should be safely managed with early elective management prior to the development of emergent situations.