Are You Ever Too Old for Surgery?

Americans are living longer, and new types of surgery are constantly being introduced. This means that people in their 80s and 90s are having operations that would not have been done in the past. This raises one question: Are you ever too old for surgery?

Doctors say there's no single answer. Age isn't the only factor. Your state of health, the type of surgery and whether or not other choices besides surgery are available all come into play.

Each year, more than 15 million Americans have surgery. Most operations aren't emergencies. With most surgeries, you have time to learn about the risks and chances for success.

How to make a decision:

• Ask questions. Talk to your primary doctor and your surgeon. If you don't understand what your doctor is saying, ask for a clearer explanation. People who are well informed about their treatments are usually happier with the results. Bring a friend or relative along when you talk with doctors. Then discuss the pros and cons of surgery with your family.
• Understand what will be done and why. Will the surgery save or prolong your life? Relieve pain? Improve your quality of life? Could other types of treatment improve your condition? Does surgery have to be done right away or can it wait? What if you decide to do nothing?
• Ask how many operations the surgeon has performed on people your age. How did older patients respond to the surgery?
• Learn the risks and benefits. What problems could arise during or after the operation? In older people, bleeding, stroke, blood clots, infections and reactions to anesthesia are possible side effects.
• Ask what kind of anesthesia will be used during the operation. Local anesthesia numbs part of the body for a short period of time. Regional anesthesia numbs a larger area of the body for a few hours. Most of these patients are awake during the operation. General anesthesia numbs the entire body. These patients can sleep during surgery.
• Meet with the anesthesiologist to talk about risks and side effects. Describe any medical problems you have, including allergies. Tell your doctor which medicines you take (prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements). Some medication can affect your response to the anesthesia.
• Don't forget about the recovery period. How long will you be in the hospital? How long will recovery take? Will you need to have rehabilitation? Will you need home care?

If you are not sure about whether to have surgery, get a second or third medical opinion. Talk with your family, but let the final decision be yours.

External Sources U.S. Department for Health & Human Services, Agency For Healthcare Research and Quality. Having surgery? What you need to know. Accessed May 2, 2007. American College of Surgeons. Should you seek consultation (second opinion)? Accessed May 7, 2007. University of Virginia Health System. Surgical care. Accessed May 2, 2007.

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