Bioethical Issues in Gerosurgery

This chapter explores the complex role of age in clinical decision-making, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive, multidimensional approach in geriatric surgery. Age should be considered as part of the clinical assessment rather than an isolated criterion for determining treatment eligibility. The text argues against using age as the sole determinant for medical decisions, highlighting the risk of reducing the complexity of health to a simplistic parameter. The chapter advocates for a multidimensional approach in evaluating the appropriateness of surgical interventions for older patients, addressing the rise in geriatric surgery demand due to global population aging. It criticizes ageism in healthcare, where advanced age often leads to the denial of effective treatments. Modern ageism trends, which categorize elderly patients as universally frail, are also discussed as they oversimplify patient needs and overlook important clinical and non-clinical factors. Drawing from the “less is more” philosophy, the text emphasizes that higher-quality care is not synonymous with more treatments. It cautions against extreme reductionism, which can lead to inadequate patient care. The chapter outlines the need for a comprehensive and multidisciplinary assessment that includes risk-benefit analysis, decision-making autonomy, and social support to ensure equitable access to care for older patients. This holistic approach ensures that interventions are proportionate, justified, and tailored to the unique needs of each patient, avoiding futile treatments and promoting overall well-being.