Avoiding surgery in patients with dementia: is it the correct management?

ABSTRACT. Although hospitalization for dementia is increasing, Japanese doctors often refrain from surgeries considering dementia. A woman in her 80s diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease was admitted to hospital for cholelithiasis. Due to the avoidance of surgery, the inflammation was prolonged and therefore she was unable to eat. Later, she was discharged with central venous nutrition. The care burden on family resulted in her readmission to another hospital. Eventually, the inflammation was alleviated, and she was able to eat. However, it took a long time. In this study, we not only emphasize the risks but also focus on the benefits to postoperative rehabilitation. We also discuss about the benefits of invasive procedures in patients with dementia.