Withdrawing and withholding life support in geriatric surgical patients. Ethical considerations.

Geriatric patients often require prolonged postoperative intensive care after complex surgery. These patients frequently are intubated, sedated or confused, and unable to participate in therapeutic decisions. There is much controversy surrounding the use of critical care in the elderly as well as prognostic uncertainty. This article reviews the medical, ethical, and legal issues that define the clinical principles involved in the decision to limit life support in geriatric patients.