Abstract
Background: Surgical oncological treatment measures in older patients are influenced by many factors, such as frailty, extent of the operation and individual opinions of the patient concerning cancer. The aim of this review is to provide hints for surgeons on the surgical treatment of older oncological patients regarding the aforementioned factors. Material and methods: Taking the current literature into consideration, tips for dealing with older oncological patients in an interdisciplinary and multimodal environment are elaborated. Results: Oncological guidelines must be adapted to individual expectations and prerequisites, depending on the age and fragility of the patient. Frailty and geriatric assessment can help to estimate the individual risk of a surgical intervention. Informed consent and explicit explanation of the operation and the postoperative limitations are important for joint decision-making between patients and surgeons. Pulmonary and nutritive risk factors of older patients can be reduced by preoperative conditioning of the patient. Minimally invasive surgery reduces the risk of secondary perioperative complications in geriatric patients. Conclusion: Interdisciplinary treatment concepts and alternatives should be discussed in tumor boards to avoid restriction of care on the one hand and overtreatment on the other, whenever possible.
Translated title of the contribution | Special features of surgical oncology in older patients |
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Original language | German |
Journal | Onkologe |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 9 |
Pages (from-to) | 753-757 |
Number of pages | 5 |
ISSN | 0947-8965 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 01.09.2019 |
Research Areas and Centers
- Research Area: Luebeck Integrated Oncology Network (LION)