Open AccessDelaying Elective Surgery in Geriatric Patients: An Opportunity for Preoperative Optimization
Author(s) -
Serena P. Wong,
Kahli M. Zietlow,
Shelley McDonald,
Atílio Barbeito,
Cathleen ColónEmeric,
Sandhya LagooDeenadayalan,
Nancy Loyack,
Mitchell T. Heflin
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
anesthesia and analgesia/anesthesia and analgesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.404
H-Index - 201
eISSN - 1526-7598
pISSN - 0003-2999
DOI - 10.1213/ane.0000000000004335
Subject(s) - medicine , anticipation (artificial intelligence) , elective surgery , cohort , general surgery , preoperative care , surgery , intensive care medicine , artificial intelligence , computer science
Deciding whether to pursue elective surgery is a complex process for older adults. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) can help refine estimates of benefits and risks, at times leading to a delay of surgery to optimize surgical readiness. We describe a cohort of geriatric patients who were evaluated in anticipation of elective abdominal surgery and whose procedures were delayed for any reason. Themes behind the reasons for delay are described, and a holistic framework to guide preoperative discussion is suggested.