Nursing nel paziente urologico, anziano, operato: Nursing of the elderly urological patient

There are two important issues in the postoperative management of the urological elderly patient: complications and rehabilitation. Aging is associated with a loss of homeostatic reserve that may lead to postoperative complications due to drug interaction, malnutrition, infection, defects in wound healing, and poor psychological state. Furthermore rehabilitation, if not properly planned or implemented may influence not only the quality of life, but also the whole treatment results. The authors, in relation to pathogenetic aspects, describe what to do to prevent complications and to promote patient recovery. They conclude that both urologists and nurses must have specific geriatric training and that a psychiatrist, dietician, geriatrician and physiotherapist should be part of the team caring for the elderly surgical patient. Finally discharge from hospital must not be the end of therapy: in selected patients nursing management may continue at home reducing morbidity and mortality and helping better rehabilitation.