Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie
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Elderly patients with life-threatening abdominal disease are undergoing emergency surgery in increasing numbers, but emergency procedures generally are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We carried out a retrospective and prospective study at a tertiary centre in Spain to analyze the factors contributing to death after emergency abdominal surgery in elderly patients and to determine whether there were differences in the death rate between those aged 70-79 years and those aged 80 years and older. ⋯ Mortality in elderly patients operated on for an acute abdomen can be predicted by ASA grade (perioperative risk), delay in surgical treatment and conditions that permit only palliative surgery. Increasing age (70-79 yr or > or = 80 yr) does not affect mortality, morbidity or length of hospital stay.
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Biography Historical Article
Canadian Spine Society. Lifetime achievement award. Charles H. Tator.