[Operative risk in very old patients (author's transl)].

Patients more than 75 years of age will tolerate surgery with good results under the following conditions: 1) Metabolic deficiencies have to be compensated prior to surgery - 2) Preoperative preparatory treatment should be completed at least 3 days before surgery - 3) After surgery has been performed acid-base balance, haemoglobin, protein metabolism and renal function should be watched strictly - 4) Ambulation of the patient and social care should start on the very first day after surgery.