[header] How to manage surgery as an elderly patient [title] Make your treatment preferences known to doctors and caregivers. [step] Before you have surgery, you should discuss your treatment preferences with your health care team and caregivers. You should document what things you consent for the doctors to do and things you do not agree to. 
If you already have an advance directive, you should update it to reflect the risks of your surgery. [substeps] For example, you and your doctor and caregivers should discuss any advance directives.