Reality is that mortality, death, can happen even in the most minor of procedures either in the hospital , office based surgery or the ambulatory surgery outpatient setting. The regulations in place for all outpatient surgery requiring anesthetics of any kind that is more than local anesthesia (commonly referred to as novacaine) is very strict by various state laws.
The media seems to spin things out of proportion for ratings. The outpatient facilities tend to deal with cleaner cases which also tends to lower infection rates vs hospital setting. This is a big plus for patients. Hospital acquired infections are less common in the outpatient setting as there are no long term patients undergoing dirty procedures such as a perforated bowel, MRSA wound washouts, etc.
The other topic being brought up is should an 81 year old have elective surgery? Some 40 year olds I’ve seen are in worse shape health wise then my 85 year olds that walk 5 miles a day etc. Age is nothing but a number is correct, the health age is more important. Just because a person is over 65 does not mean they are over the hill for elective surgeries. For myself as a podiatrist, most of what I do is elective such as bunions, hammertoes, fusions, ankle arthroscopies, as long as the patient is healthy enough and active risk of anesthesia death is relatively low.
Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimal Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling!
