Postoperative Rehabilitation of Elderly Patients

Abstract

Rehabilitation has been described as the “secret weapon” of geriatric medicine and, in tandem with comprehensive clinical assessment, is among the most effective interventions. Compared to physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) interventions in younger adults, the nature of PRM in elderly individuals differs in many aspects related with special needs of aging such as multiple comorbidities, causes of disability, frailty, polypharmacy, and cognitive nutritional and depression problems. The preoperative PRM management of elderly patients is fundamental in identifying risk factors for the development of PC and prescript preoperative PRM program. Preoperative PRM programs for elderly surgery patients have been shown to be beneficial and safe. Several high-quality studies have highlighted the early mobilization as the fundamental cornerstone of the postoperative PRM management in elderly patients. Pain management is crucial for the PRM team which deals with pain using various modalities. Before discharge, elderly surgical patients are checked for functional capacity, functional independence, pain, balance, walking, grip strength, and general well-being.