As adults age, they may require more complex needs,
including surgery. Any surgery comes with risks, but what are they? What are
the riskiest surgeries for seniors? In this post, we will review the most
common surgeries for elderly adults and answer other questions you may have. Most Common Surgeries for Older Adults The most common surgeries by age include: Cataract surgery. This is the most common eye surgery
for seniors and lasts around 20 minutes, but healing may take several weeks.
Cataracts can lead to blurred vision and eventual vision loss if left
untreated. With this procedure, a physician removes the cloudy lens of an eye
and replaces it with an artificial lens.Hip replacement surgery. This involves removing a
diseased or damaged hip joint and replacing it with an artificial one. This can
be common for seniors with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis,
osteoarthritis, or hip fractures.Gallbladder removal. This procedure may be necessary
due to gallstones causing pain, infection, or other complications.Prostate surgery. An enlarged prostate can cause
urinary issues, while prostate cancer can necessitate removal. Removing a
prostate may require longer recovery time or additional treatments such as
hormone or radiation therapy.Coronary artery bypass surgery. This improves blood
flow to the heart by bypassing blocked or narrowed arteries. This procedure is
common for people with serious coronary heart disease.Knee replacement surgery. When one has severe knee
pain or mobility issues, it may be advised to undergo knee replacement surgery.
This involves removing a damaged knee joint and replacing it with an artificial
one. The operation can take up to two hours, and recovery time may vary.Ulcer Surgery. Ulcers can be cured with antibiotics
to stop the stomach from making acid. However, surgery may be necessary if that
does not work and the ulcer is interfering with the ability to digest food
properly. With this procedure, the surgeon may suture the hole or use lasers to
stop bleeding. In extreme cases, the patient might need to have part of their
stomach removed.Surgery Recovery for Older AdultsSurgery is difficult for anyone, and older adults may
require some assistance. Below are a few ways you can help your loved one heal
after undergoing a procedure.Keep the home safe. This includes removing tripping
hazards to make it easier for them to get around and decrease fall risks.Keep them fed and hydrated. Make sure to give them
food they can easily swallow and digest, depending on their surgery. Eating and
drinking are vital for a speedy recovery.Look out for side effects. Older adults may
experience side effects of surgery. Sometimes, medication can even prevent them
from realizing something is a serious problem. This is why its vital to keep a
close eye on them as often as possible.Attend follow-up appointments. Most surgeries require
after-care. Make sure to follow the doctors orders.Take care of daily responsibilities. This includes
shopping, cleaning, errands, and other day-to-day activities.Get outside help. If you cannot help your loved one
as often as they need, you may want to consider respite care from an outside
source such as Griswold.
Author: Jeremy Rodriguez | Posted Jan 2, 2024 on griswoldhomecare.com/blog/