Abstract
More and more elderly patients are receiving surgery because of the aging of the population. Such patients have various comorbidities and cognitive decline, thus rendering therapeutic decision making complicated. A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of bile duct cancer. He had moderate cognitive decline and limited activity of daily living. We carefully evaluated his physical and cognitive status, as well as his family's support. Subsequently, we performed bile duct resection with careful consideration of his background and general condition. In the present case, organ-preserving surgical procedures and discrimination between dementia and delirium were helpful in deciding the therapeutic strategy. Early participation of healthcare providers was also helpful in ensuring a smooth hospital and post-hospital course.
