Unnecessary surgery: Are you at risk?

by Lauren Greschner (Subscribe to Lauren Greschner's posts)
Jul 30th 2007 10:15PM

Categories: Womens Health, Diet & Weight Loss, Motivation, Men's Health

When I come across health articles that seem a bit extremist or unrealistic, alarm bells tend to go off. I think that there are a lot of warnings about a lot of things out there that, in truth, pose minimal risk to most of the population. While warnings against smoking and information about skin cancer protection make sense, I tend to wonder if there's really a need for so many scary reports on things like Avian flu and West Nile virus. I felt the same way when I found this piece about unnecessary surgery.

The article mentions that, for various reasons, a number of people out there are going under the knife needlessly. They're either having surgeries that are more extreme than what their condition warrants, or could be trying successful alternative therapies first instead of having an operation. The four most common unnecessary procedures performed are spinal surgery, knee arthroscopy, hysterectomy and angioplasty.

I don't know what to believe to be honest. The article does say that many times these surgeries are needed and offer significant results -- but not always. I think the most important thing to always remember is to stand up for yourself when it comes to your health. If you're unsure about an initial diagnosis, don't be afraid to get a second opinion. And always research all possible options and get lots of advice before undergoing a major operation.

Source

Comments (5)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

G.Garcia 9-22-2007 @ 10:21AM

I had a hysterectomy 3 summers ago.It was the best desicion I've ever made.I kept getting fibroid cyst and a hyst.was an option.I decided to have it all removed.
Everyone was telling me that it is painfull etc....
I never felt any pain whatsoever,not even a little twitch of pain.I even retiled my floors the second week. I was on low dose HRT and within the first six months I had a ping pong ball sized, PRE CANCEROUS tumor removed from one breast.
The worst thing that happened was SWEATS for about a year after quitting the HRT.I do not regret having the surgery one iota.

mish 9-19-2007 @ 4:38PM

Your article was very interesting but you failed to point out that sometimes sugery is needed. I have had two surgeries done once on my foot and the other a c-section. Neither were elective and were done after all other options were exhausted. So, while a lot of people do go under the knife, it is not always a bad thing.

Carolyn Krivit 9-19-2007 @ 4:39PM

I as well had an elective....rather I insisted upon a total hysterectomy ( TAH/BSO ) after breast cancer. There was NO way I was going to wait and see if I got ovarian cancer....I had all the plumbing removed and with it went alot of fear and worries! I never regret it a day.

karren 9-19-2007 @ 2:07PM

I had a hysterectomy 16 years ago, since then Ive had multiple surgeries to remove adheshions caused from the hysterectomy, the adhesions wrap around vital organs and cause great pain , Im now disable due to the adhesions so think twice and search for other answers. wished I did!!!

Barb 9-25-2007 @ 5:39PM

I think you know your own body the best. When all else fails... surgery is the only option. I had a complete hysterectomy 4 years ago, and it was the best thing I ever did. After years of ovarion cysts and fibroid tumors, causing excessive bleeding and anemia, a new (female) doctor said... "Did you ever consider a total hysterectomy?" I hadn't, and no one had ever suggested it, but I went "under the knife" and it turned out to be good for me. However... it was nasty surgery, I got infected from the staples, sick from the general anesthesia... but all temporary. In the long run, it was the best decision I ever made. Don't take it lightly, though, it's MAJOR surgery, and not fun!