A study has been carried out in 435 patients over 80 years old underwent elective or emergency general surgical operations with general or loco-regional anaesthesia in order to evaluate possible risk factors. Preoperative evaluation has shown coexisting cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in 68% of patients. Treatment of functional decline of organ malnutrition and dehydration and use of adequate anaesthesiology management contributed to contain postoperative morbidity and mortality compared with other analogue experiences. The authors conclude that elderly age, although is a risk factor, cannot be considered an absolute contraindication to major surgery. However physiopathological modification of the elderly must be evaluate.