Urological problems in the aged.

The preponderance of men over 60 years of age on the Urology Service at the Los Angeles County General Hospital is due to the prevalence of prostatic disease. Approximately two-thirds of patients with prostatic hypertrophy of Grade I or smaller size and who have less than 60 cc. of residual urine can be treated nonsurgically. Prostatic operation, when done expertly, is well tolerated by most aged patients. The end results are usually good except in those who have complicating central nervous system lesions. The approach chosen for removal of the prostate is determined by the training and experience of the surgeon.Urinary obstruction due to carcinoma of the prostate can be relieved by hormonal treatment in most cases. Carcinoma of the bladder when discovered early can be controlled for many years by repeated transurethral resection and frequent observation; when discovered late, successful definitive treatment is rarely possible. Vesical dysfunction due to neurological and/or senile changes is best treated by use of an in-dwelling urethral catheter. Mild dysfunction may respond somewhat to medication and sphincter muscle exercise. Infections respond well to anti-infection drugs unless there is an organic urological lesion. Untoward reactions to drugs are more common in aged patients. Calculi, when they are found in the bladder, should be crushed and evacuated; when in the kidney, let alone unless symptoms are annoying. Renal tumors should be removed unless the patient is more than 80 years of age. Elderly patients tolerate urological operation well when it is done expertly.