Medical and Preoperative Evaluation of the Older Adult

Abstract

Because of age, increased rates of multimorbidity, polypharmacy, functional changes, and cognitive impairment, older adults are at higher risk for perioperative complications. Identifying modifiable risk factors and educating patients and families about what to expect can improve surgical outcomes and satisfaction. Comprehensive preoperative evaluation assesses these potential factors and should include recommendations for risk reduction. The optimal preoperative evaluation for older adults should address medical conditions and other areas pertinent to the care of older adults including assessments of cognition, capacity, delirium risk, function, frailty, nutrition, medications, and treatment preferences.

Keywords: Elderly; Frailty; Function; Geriatric; Older adult; Preoperative; Surgery.