Effect of anaesthesia and surgery on endocrine function in elderly patients.

The effect of halothane-nitrous oxide anaesthesia and abdominal surgery on endocrine function was investigated in 18 elderly patients whose ages ranged from 65 to 77 (mean 69 years). Cortisol levels in plasma increased significantly during anaesthesia and surgery, and the increases were slightly higher than those in young adults. Plasma aldosterone increased and insulin levels did not change during the procedures, and these levels were lower than in younger adults. The endocrine responses in elderly patients were similar in magnitude to those in young adults. Therefore it appears that no special hormonal treatment is necessary for elderly patients undergoing routine surgical procedures.