Anesthesia for breast cancer surgery in the elderly

Abstract

Anesthesia for breast cancer surgery in the elderly requires a specific approach, taking into account physiological and psychological alterations secondary to aging. Breast surgery is a low specific risk surgery, and perioperative risk is mainly dependent of the presence and severity of co-morbidity. It may be reduced by careful evaluation and stabilization of concurrent diseases, at best done through a multidisciplinary approach. In view of anesthetic technique adjustment to medical condition, most geriatric patients may undergo breast cancer surgery with a low incidence of perioperative complications. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.