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Semin Plast Surg 2010; 24(3): 319-324
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1263073
© Thieme Medical Publishers

The Old and Ill: Influence and Impact on the Reconstructive Effort

O. Koray Coşkunfırat1 , Ömer Özkan1
  • 1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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Publication History

Publication Date:
20 August 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Head and neck reconstruction is often mandatory in elderly and ill patients, especially after tumor ablation. Even complex reconstructive procedures can be done in the elderly population after careful evaluation. The morbidity and mortality rates increase with age, thus the risks and benefits of surgical intervention must be weighed precisely. The functional capacities of the vital organs and the limitations should be assessed. The only significant preoperative guide for the risk of the operation is the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. According to this scoring system, ASA 3 and 4 patients are more prone to complications. For a successful reconstructive procedure in old and ill patients, detailed preoperative evaluation is mandatory. Based on this evaluation, the type and duration of the surgery can be properly selected, and postoperative monitoring can be handled individually.

KEYWORDS

ASA score - elderly patients - operative risk - preoperative assessment

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O. Koray CoşkunfıratM.D. 

Associate Professor, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Dumlupinar Bulvari, 07059 Antalya, Turkey

Email: coskunfirat@superonline.com

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