Geriatric dermatologic surgery part II: Peri- and intraoperative considerations in the geriatric dermatologic surgery patient

Abstract

Geriatric patients compose a growing proportion of the dermatologic surgical population. Dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons should be cognizant of the unique physiologic considerations that accompany this group to deliver highly effective care. The purpose of this article is to discuss the unique preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations geriatric patients present with to provide goal-concordant care. Preoperative considerations include medication optimization and anxiolysis. Intraoperative considerations such as fall risk assessment and prevention, sundowning, familial support, and pharmacologic interactions will be discussed. Lastly, effective methods for optimizing postoperative wound care, home care, and follow-up are reviewed.

Keywords: ambulatory surgery; fall risk assessment; geriatric surgery; health literacy; home support; intraoperative considerations; perioperative considerations; polypharmacy; postoperative considerations; wound care instructions.