Elective surgery patients growing older

Are you too old for an operation? Age need not be an automatic barrier to elective surgery, according to Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. Increased life expectancy, safer forms of anesthesia, and less-invasive surgical techniques have made it possible for older adults--in their 70s, 80s, and beyond--to have many types of elective surgery.

A number of studies indicate that overall mental and physical health--not age--is a better predictor of a successful outcome after many elective procedures. The goal of most elective surgeries is to improve and maintain physical functioning and overall quality of life.

Add to this the increasing number of older Americans, and it is clear why the age is rising among men and women undergoing such procedures as hip and knee replacements, cataract surgery, and even coronary artery bypass surgery. For instance, in one recent four-year period, the rate of total knee replacements for patients ages 75-84 more than doubled.

Surgery, however, still has its risks. Complications and death related to surgery generally are higher in adults over 70. Recovery time may be longer as well. When considering elective surgery, patients should ask their physician and surgeon to help weigh the risks and benefits.

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