[Problems of anaesthesia in old age (author's transl)].

In old age elective surgical procedures may be planned and the patient may be prepared for surgery. Emergency procedures however have a much higher risk. Beyond the 7th decade the mortality rate shows a steep rise and in the 9th decade mortality amounts to about 50%.

[Anaesthesiologic problems in old age (author's transl)].

Elective surgical procedures in old age can be planned and the patient be prepared for surgery. In contrast to this emergency procedures have a much higher risk. Beyond the 7th decade the mortality rate has a steep increase and in the 9th decade comes to more than 50%.