Frailty in Surgical Care: A Review

Abstract

Frailty is an important condition that affects treatment outcomes, especially in patients undergoing surgery. Currently, there is a world trend towards an aging society, increasing the number of frail patients. Physical, intellectual and social vulnerability is the leading cause in connection to falls, burden, disability, or permanent disability, resulting to a decrease in quality of life. In regards to caring for surgical patients, this translates to dealing with more elderly patients, and frailty is one of the key factors affecting further treatment outcomes. Thus, it becomes necessary to assess patients for vulnerability, prior to surgical intervention. Conducting preoperative vulnerability assessments can indicate the level of risk for adverse events after surgery and allow surgeons to tailor treatment options for the patient. In addition, it can aid in preventing or correcting their vulnerability, increasing the possibility of obtaining good surgical results and minimal complications. This is especially true when there is good cooperation between general physicians, senior physicians, anesthesiologists, and surgeons.