Some Simple Tips To Have Safer Surgery
By Dr. Brian McDonough
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - If you had to think about it, what do you think would be the best ways to make surgery safer?
Well, there's a report in the journal "The Lancet" which takes a look at hip surgery as an example, and what they find is there are three things that can lead to better outcomes:
The first is, if possible, have a less invasive surgical approach. The second is spinal vs. general anesthesia. And, finally, medications to prevent blood clots.
Now, that last point is very important. It's something that was not recognized to as great of an extent, years ago.
The realization that we can prevent blood clots with medication can offset many of the difficulties that occur, because preventing these clots can prevent all sorts of problems.