“Why is anesthesia dangerous for the elderly?”
I am a 55 year old male. I want to know why is anesthesia dangerous for the elderly?
9 Answers
Anesthesia is not dangerous unless you have undiagnosed medical condition
Dr. J. Arthur Saus
Anesthesiologist
The rates of drug removal from the body are typically modified in the elderly. I would not necessarily say the "anesthesia is dangerous for the elderly", but certainly the patient's age should be a consideration which is taken into account when planning and administering anesthesia.
Often there are co- morbidities and very poor liver and kidney clearance of drugs increasing chances of side effects.
With the aging process, there will be deterioration of many organ functions (heart, lung, liver, kidneys, etc.). And as people get older, many may also acquire diseases due to poor health habits: Obesity, smoking related diseases, poor cardiovascular function due to lack of regular exercise. Many things add up, which will increase the risk for anesthesia.
Yi-Hwa Outerbridge, MD
Yi-Hwa Outerbridge, MD
Comorbidity increases with age. Although anesthesia is safe, it is best to share your medical history with your doctors.
Anesthesia is not particularly dangerous for the elderly. There are more considerations that have to be taken into account when administering anesthesia to an elderly person, but can still be accomplished safely. The concern in elderly patients is the more apt they are to have heart conditions and decreased kidney function strictly just because of their age. Also, post operative cognitive dysfunction (i.e. slow to regain their previous mental abilities) is a concern when utilizing general anesthesia in the elderly, but again with careful planning and discussing expectations one can safely administer anesthesia to the elderly.
Anesthesia is not the only factor that makes surgery dangerous. It depends greatly on the type of surgery you are having.
Elderly have age deterioration of systems, and drugs could have a delay in metabolism and excretion. Also, risk of respiratory complications and cardiovascular accidents.
With increasing age, in the elderly, the risk for anesthesia complication increases. It also depends upon the type of procedure, type of anesthesia, and many other factors that need to be clarified. It is recommended to make sure anyone undergoing surgery/anesthesia make every effort to learn the risks and benefit of the procedure from the doctor planning to do the procedure.
