Is elective surgery in the elderly worthwhile?

In a prospective study 102 patients (median age 70.9 years) were interviewed at home before and after elective surgery to assess whether they would have any difficulties in managing their activities of daily living (ADL) post-operatively. The patients were consecutive admissions in general surgery, gynaecology and urology. All patients were alive six months after surgery and 98 were cured of their condition. Twelve patients suffered a deterioration in their ability to perform various ADLs but none was institutionalised as additional help was given either by a spouse or by a home help. Elective surgery in this age group is worthwhile and carries with it minimal deleterious effects on social rehabilitation and few demands on community resources.