Urological and gynaecological surgery in the elderly
- DOI:
- 10.1093/med/9780198735571.003.0010
Urological and gynaecological procedures are commonly performed in the elderly. Usually, urinary tract endoscopy and surgery should only be performed if the urine is made sterile. Infection of the urinary tract is always a threat, specifically in obstructive diseases and in patients with permanent bladder catheters. Simple measures may prevent most of the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) syndrome cases. The elderly patient taking anti-platelet or anticoagulant drugs and presented for endoscopic urological surgery are at special risk because these may lead to life-threatening haemorrhage, and stopping these drugs can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular and embolic phenomenon. For most of these procedures, the choice between general and regional (mainly spinal) anaesthesia must be influenced by the specific medical condition of the patient, his/her wishes, and the planned procedure.
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