Influences of the Aging Process on Acute Perioperative Pain Management in Elderly and Cognitively Impaired Patients

Overview

Journal Ochsner J

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2013 Jun 22

PMID 23789010

Citations 1

Authors

Thomas Halaszynski

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

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.

Citing Articles

Opioid-Sparing Analgesia Impacts the Perioperative Anesthetic Management in Major Abdominal Surgery.

Jipa M, Isac S, Klimko A, Simion-Cotorogea M, Martac C, Cobilinschi C Medicina (Kaunas). 2022; 58(4).

PMID: 35454326 PMC: 9029402. DOI: 10.3390/medicina58040487.

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