The global population is aging, and surgical emergencies among the elderly are steadily increasing, creating a significant burden for healthcare providers. Unfortunately, outcomes in this age group are often poor due to factors such as frailty, polypharmacy, delayed diagnosis, and comorbidities. Elderly patients undergoing emergency surgery face higher risks of complications, prolonged hospital stays, loss of independence, and mortality. Key Challenges in Geriatric Emergency Surgery Frailty: Defined by weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, slow mobility, and low activity, frailty reflects reduced physiological reserve.
Frail patients experience higher mortality and dependency after surgery. Comorbidities: Conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, stroke, and dementia complicate care, increasing mortality and communication difficulties. Polypharmacy: Affecting…
