Can we predict and prevent postoperative morbidity in elderly patients?

In their recent article [1], Wakahara et al demonstrated a significantly higher overall morbidity in elderly patients, with a higher incidence of anastomotic leak and cardiovascular complications. We want to highlight the role of risk assessment tools and calculators in predicting the outcome of surgery in elderly patients, as outcomes are more dependent on individual patients’ parameters. We need to identify patients for whom surgery entails a greater risk, so that we can optimize their care and also pay more attention during the perioperative and postoperative periods. As clinicians, it is our duty to offer the maximum benefit to each and every patient