Renal & prostatic disorders in the elderly.

The population of aged people is increasing in number all over the world along with the problems associated with senescence. The functional and morphological changes that occur with ageing are accompanied by an increased risk of certain conditions like drug-induced nephrotoxicity and acute tubular necrosis. Elderly patients of end-stage renal disease can undergo renal replacement therapy with acceptably good results. If free from any medical and other illnesses, elderly persons can be considered for kidney donation without any increased risk for surgery or anaesthesia. However, such kidneys are functionally not as good as kidneys from young individuals. Prostatic diseases like prostatic hyperplasia and cancer are more a concern of the aged than the younger population. Besides, there is an apprehension about the increased risk of anaesthesia due to the frequent presence of other co-existent illnesses in the senile population. Less morbid therapeutic methods are available to deal with prostatic disorders but one should not hesitate to undertake major open or endoscopic surgeries in such patients, should it be necessary.