Any type of surgery has its risks, even so-called minor surgeries. But some surgeries are riskier than others and even more so for certain groups of people.
Seniors, those aged 65 years or older, often undergo surgery for various ailments that have either been neglected over time or have developed over the years. And, as 
the population ages, more surgeries will be done in that age group. According to a study just published in the Archives of Surgery, every year, approximately two million seniors have abdominal surgery.
Abdominal surgeries, any type of surgery that involves the abdomen, are particularly risky for seniors, say researcher from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, Washington. The researchers were looking at complication and death rates of 101,318 seniors who underwent common abdominal procedures such as cholecystectomies (gall bladder removal), hysterectomies (removal of the uterus) and colectomies (removal of part of the colon).
Seniors often have multiple medical problems, which could add to surgery risk, and the researchers point out that the seniors may also have a lower ability to tolerate the stress of surgery and any complications that may result. For this reason, the researchers found a complication rate and death rate of:
- 14.6% and 2.5% for patients from 65 to 69 years
- 16.1% and 3.8% for patients from 70 to 74 years
- 18.8% and 6% for patients from 75 to 79 years
- 19.9% and 8.1% for patients from 80 to 84 years
- 22.6% and 12.6% for patients from 85 to 89 years
- 22.7% and 16.7% for patients who were 90 years or older
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Image: PhotoXpress.com
Post from: Blisstree