Comprehensive approach to taking care of high complex chronic patient

Objectives. Patients affected by chronic conditions frequently present surgical need. This scenario requires a reflection on the traditional health approach. Innovative clinical pathways should be identified in order to cope with the specific needs presented by individual patients. Methods. Retrospective evaluation of the clinical-surgical multidisciplinary management of an extremely complex patient treated in a second level rehabilitation Institute. Results. An accurate analysis of the patient’s clinical needs allowed to define an adequate health project, which is the basis to achieve the planned rehabilitation goals. In the presented clinical case, multidisciplinary management was the cornerstone to reach a final good clinical outcome. Conclusions. The management of an acute surgical affection in elderly patients and subjects affected by chronic conditions require more resources. When approaching such complex cases, technical skills and economic issues – but also ethical and social background – should be taken into consideration, especially in a rehabilitation research Institute.