Oncogeriatrics (part 3.) Influence of surgical trauma on older patients

Abstract

In the elderly, there is a unique situation where factors resulting from the ageing process and the cumulative effect of accompanying diseases interact with severe stress associated with surgery. Currently, there is no effective way to pharmacologically influence the course of pro-and anti-inflammatory responses. Therefore, surgeons should attempt to limit potential risks during procedures by conducting scheduled surgery, positioning the patient in the safe way, using minimally invasive surgical techniques, limiting intraoperative blood loss-even at the expense of prolonged surgical time, avoiding hypothermia and working in an experienced surgical and anaesthetic team. Such elements are of paramount importance for older patients undergoing surgery, particularly with frailty syndrome.

Evaluation of postoperative complications in the older population

“…These elements are particularly important in the older population with cancer, where the most important factors determining overall survival are the pathological stage of the cancer and the occurrence and severity of complications [9]. Therefore, understanding the role of the complication and their proper evaluation is crucial across this population [10].…”