Small-bowel disorders and abdominal wall hernia in the elderly patient.

Small-bowel disorders in the elderly, whether primary or secondary, are characterized by vague complaints and misleading signs and symptoms. Diagnosis is frequently unclear, and delays in initiating treatment often result in loss of tissue and life. Successful management is possible, with an increased awareness of the subtleties of presentation of these disorders and an aggressive diagnostic response to initial complaints. Abdominal wall hernias in the elderly, on the other hand, usually present no diagnostic dilemma. However, these hernias are frequently neglected by both the patient and the physician. Emergency repair for incarceration is associated with excessive mortality and morbidity. Expeditious elective repair can be performed with minimal risk and therefore is indicated in nearly all cases.