Postoperative and Critical Care in the Elderly Thoracic Surgery Patient

摘要: Citizens over the age of 65 constitute fastest growing segment population United States. Consequently, patients older than years will a an average thoracic surgeon’s practice. Treating physicians must understand normal physiologic changes associated with aging to accurately construct risk versus benefit analysis specifically tailored elderly patient, taking into account patient’s life expectancy and quality both before after procedure. A surgeon be cognizant special postoperative needs concerns in population, including pain control, end-of-life issues, potential need for rehabilitation or nursing home placement period. The challenge future continue improve perioperative care, patient selection, operative techniques lower morbidity mortality rates among elderly, require coordination between family, physician, surgeon, critical care teams.