Surgery in the elderly: the evolving role of palliative care in general surgical practice.

Palliative care will continue to be an evolving part of general surgical practices, especially with an expanding elderly population. The challenge to a surgeon remains, namely, understanding when palliation is a better alternative to aggressive therapeutic measures. The transition from curative intervention to palliative care is aided by honest communication between physician and patient and respect for dying with dignity. An intimate understanding of the multidimensional nature of palliative care will enable a surgeon to provide appropriate care for a terminal patient.