Thomas Halaszynski1. 1. Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aging process results in physiological deterioration and compromise along with a reduction in the reserve capacity of the human body. Because of the reduced reserves of mammalian organ systems, perioperative stressors may result in compromise of physiologic function or clinical evidence of organ insult secondary to surgery and anesthesia. The purpose of this review is to present evidence-based indications and best practice techniques for perioperative pain management in elderly surgical patients. RESULTS: In addition to pain, cognitive dysfunction in elderly surgical patients is a common occurrence that can often be attenuated with appropriate drug therapy. Modalities for pain management must be synthesized with intraoperative anesthesia and the type of surgical intervention and not simply considered a separate entity. CONCLUSIONS: Pain in elderly surgical patients continues to challenge physicians and healthcare providers. Current studies show improved surgical outcomes for geriatric patients who receive multimodal therapy for pain control.
BACKGROUND: The aging process results in physiological deterioration and compromise along with a reduction in the reserve capacity of the human body. Because of the reduced reserves of mammalian organ systems, perioperative stressors may result in compromise of physiologic function or clinical evidence of organ insult secondary to surgery and anesthesia. The purpose of this review is to present evidence-based indications and best practice techniques for perioperative pain management in elderly surgical patients. RESULTS: In addition to pain, cognitive dysfunction in elderly surgical patients is a common occurrence that can often be attenuated with appropriate drug therapy. Modalities for pain management must be synthesized with intraoperative anesthesia and the type of surgical intervention and not simply considered a separate entity. CONCLUSIONS:Pain in elderly surgical patients continues to challenge physicians and healthcare providers. Current studies show improved surgical outcomes for geriatric patients who receive multimodal therapy for pain control.
Entities:
Keywords:
Aging; pain management; perioperative care
Authors: Ansgar M Brambrink; Alex S Evers; Michael S Avidan; Nuri B Farber; Derek J Smith; Xuezhao Zhang; Gregory A Dissen; Catherine E Creeley; John W Olney Journal: Anesthesiology Date: 2010-04 Impact factor: 7.892
Authors: Terese T Horlocker; Denise J Wedel; John C Rowlingson; F Kayser Enneking; Sandra L Kopp; Honorio T Benzon; David L Brown; John A Heit; Michael F Mulroy; Richard W Rosenquist; Michael Tryba; Chun-Su Yuan Journal: Reg Anesth Pain Med Date: 2010 Jan-Feb Impact factor: 6.288