Perioperative Assessment and Optimization in Major Colorectal Surgery.

Abstract

The elderly population is the fastest growing segment of the population with the number of people over the age of 65 expected to double by the year 2060. Because many common colorectal conditions increase in prevalence with age, the number of people diagnosed with common colorectal conditions is expected to increase dramatically over the ensuing decades. This trend, commonly referred to as the “silver tsunami,” will result in a substantial increase in the number of colorectal surgery patients with accompanying comorbidities and complex surgical needs.