Comparison of Mortality Rates for Various Surgical Operations According to Age Groups, 1951–1977*

摘要: : A comparison was made of the mortality rates for various surgical operations, by age groups and time periods. The were: under 60, 60–69, 70–79, 80 or over. three periods 1951–1955, 1956–1967, 1967–1977. Only slight improvement noted in these despite fact that during 1951–1977 period many improvements were anesthesia, techniques, antibiotic therapy, intensive-care units, presumably better understanding disease. Further will depend almost exclusively upon studying basic problems old age, chiefly atherosclerosis with its effects on heart, blood vessels, brain, respiratory system urinary tract. Unless this is done, there no prospect great operative results, basis believing risk aged same as young. physiologic reserves can be improved, likely remain static.