“What anesthesia is used for people over the age of 80?”

There is no kind of anesthesia that is contraindicated to a patient simply because of age. But age is a risk factor that must be taken in consideration, like children also have special consideration.

The anesthetic used for patients over 80 years old depends on what type of surgery they are scheduled for and the healthiness of the patient. For example, if the procedure is a cataract surgery, the anesthetic is most likely a local anesthetic, whereas open heart surgery would be done with a general anesthetic

With any treatment plan, providers must consider the risks, benefits, and alternatives (RBAs). People over 80 are most likely to have some pre-existing medical conditions and less physiologic reserve than younger patients. So, more risks in the RBA equation. Conversely, the benefits of certain anesthetic techniques like regional anesthesia or opioid sparing techniques may be greater. In general, tailoring anesthesia to elderly patients may involve more regional anesthesia where appropriate and reduction in narcotics and sedative medications. I recommend avoiding benzodiazepines and using a consciousness monitor (such as a BIS monitor)

Depending on the type of surgery, the anesthesiologist may recommend a regional nerve block, spinal or epidural block, or local infiltration with or without IV sedation. For example, hip or knee surgery can be performed under spinal anesthesia block, a single injection of local anesthetic placed into the subarachnoid space in the lower back. Although general anesthesia is not contraindicated for elderly patients, it has a higher incidence of preoperative cognitive deficit.

Anesthesia is not decided by age. It's important to consider the patient's condition and procedure.