[Anaesthesiologic problems in old age (author's transl)].

Elective surgical procedures in old age can be planned and the patient be prepared for surgery. In contrast to this emergency procedures have a much higher risk. Beyond the 7th decade the mortality rate has a steep increase and in the 9th decade comes to more than 50%. In cases of ileus and peritonitis with preoperative shock the mortality is about 90%. The operation time ist of decisive importance, it should be as short as possible. Having an experience anaesthesiologist at disposal, the used anaesthesiologic method is of less interest.