Clinical Study of Surgical Problems in Geriatric Patients in Vindhya Region, Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India.

ABSTRACT

Background: Geriatric patients having surgical problems are more vulnerable for devastating resulting in higher morbidity and mortality rates. Because of comorbid medical illness and low immunity power management of surgical problems in a geriatric patient at the initial stage is necessary. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective 1 year study. On admission, every patient was interrogated about name, age, sex, address, occupation, religion, and residence. They were also inquired for chief complaints with duration, past history, drug history, personal history, and family history. Their findings were recorded in a pro forma and master chart. The information obtained was tabulated and analyzed. Results: Incidence of surgical problems in the geriatric patient was 19.18% out of total surgical ward admission. The majority of patients were male (70.35%) with malefemale ratio of 2.41. The majority of patients were in age group 60-64 years (31.89%). A number of patients in the age group 80 years and above was also significant (15.28%). The eldest patient was 102-year-old male. The majority of patients were from a rural area (83.39%) followed by urban (16.61%). The majority of elderly patients admitted were suffering from medical illness associated with surgical problems most common being anemia (28.79%) followed by diabetes mellitus (19.54%), hypertension (18.96%), and tuberculosis (9.71%). The majority of elderly patients in both sexes were suffering from gastrointestinal tract disorders (28.79%). In males, the second common system involved was genitourinary system (24.67%) followed by skin and soft tissue lesions (18.87%), central nervous system (8.98%), and hernia (8.66%). In females, the second common system involved was skin and soft tissue lesions (21.12%) followed by hepatobiliary system (17.44%), central nervous system (11.43%), and breast lesions (8.72%). Conclusion: For healthy old age life, it is advised to take balanced diet and do physical activity for prevention of functional decline, increased survival and also avoids smoking, tobacco chewing, and alcoholism to reduce cardiovascular and other diseases risks.