Considerations for Geriatric Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery

Abstract

As the population ages, the number of elders undergoing surgery increases dramatically. Historically, surgical outcomes were thought to be notoriously high; however, recent data suggest otherwise in selectively fit individuals. The difficulty in caring for this population is its heterogeneity with diverse health status. Little is known about how to properly assess preoperative risk of elders with colorectal problems. This chapter will evaluate the morbidity and mortality of the elderly population in various disease states, review current preoperative assessment recommendations, and discuss future endeavors to better identify those patients at increased surgical risk.