No one wants to go through surgery, but in some cases it is the best thing that you can do for your health. Whether it is a preventative measure or to treat an existing condition, there are certain surgeries that can have a profound impact on your health. Here are five surgeries that you should consider for your health.
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery, also known as CABG or bypass surgery, is a common and effective treatment for coronary heart disease. This condition occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your heart become blocked or narrowed. When this happens, your heart muscle doesn’t get the oxygen-rich blood it needs, which can lead to chest pain, a heart attack or even death.
CABG surgery is done to bypass the blocked or narrowed coronary arteries and restore blood flow to your heart. During the surgery, a surgeon will take a healthy blood vessel from another part of your body, usually your leg, and graft it onto the blocked coronary artery. This creates a new pathway for blood to flow around the blockage.
You may be a candidate for CABG surgery if you have multiple blocked coronary arteries, severe chest pain or a previous heart attack. Complications from this surgery are relatively rare. However, one of the most common complications is bleeding. Other potential complications include infection, heart rhythm problems and problems with the graft.
Cataract Surgery
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye that affects your vision. Cataracts are very common, especially as you age. In fact, the average age for cataract surgery is around age 73. Cataract surgery is a relatively quick and safe procedure that is effective in treating cataracts. During the surgery, the surgeon will make a small incision in your eye and remove the cloudy lens. The surgeon will then replace it with an artificial intraocular lens.
You may be a candidate for cataract surgery if you have cloudy or blurry vision that interferes with your daily activities. Complications from this surgery are rare, but can include bleeding, infection and retinal detachment.
Also Read: Eye Care Treatment
Hip Replacement
Hip replacement surgery is a common and effective treatment for hip pain and disability. This surgery is usually done to treat arthritis of the hip. During the surgery, the surgeon will remove the damaged parts of your hip joint and replace them with artificial parts. You may be a candidate for hip replacement surgery if you have severe hip pain or disability that limits your daily activities. Complications from this surgery are rare, but can include bleeding, infection and blood clots.
After surgery, you will likely need to stay in the hospital for a few days. You will also need to use a walker or cane for several weeks as you recover. Physical therapy is also an important part of your recovery. Hip replacement surgery is typically a very successful procedure, with most patients seeing a significant decrease in pain and improvement in their ability to perform daily activities.
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
By definition, an aortic aneurysm is a weak spot in the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. If left untreated, an aortic aneurysm can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Aortic aneurysms most commonly occur in men over the age of 60 and smokers.
If you are diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, your doctor will likely recommend surgery to repair it. The goal of surgery is to prevent the aneurysm from rupturing and to restore normal blood flow through the artery. A surgeon basically replaces the weakened section of the aorta with a synthetic graft. The surgery is typically done through a large incision in your chest or abdomen.
You may be a candidate for this surgery if you have an aortic aneurysm that is growing rapidly, is causing symptoms or has already ruptured. Complications from this surgery are relatively rare, but can include bleeding, infection, stroke and problems with the graft. After surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for several days so that your doctor can monitor your progress and recovery.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the most common surgeries that people undergo. If you think you may need one of these surgeries, talk to your doctor about your options.