Older Adults Face Bigger Risks After Big Surgeries

Older adults often deal with health issues like dehydration, confusion, poor nutrition, or falls. These problems can become much worse after major surgeries. A recent study found that these issues can lead to longer hospital stays, more time in nursing homes, and even higher chances of dying within a year. The study looked at over 780, 000 seniors who had big surgeries like heart bypass, lung removal, or stomach repairs. Nearly 11% of them developed at least one of these health problems during their hospital stay. Dehydration was the most common issue, affecting 67% of patients. Confusion, or delirium, was the second most common problem. Patients who had these issues spent less time at home after surgery. They had a much higher risk of dying within a year. If a patient had two or more of these problems, their risk of dying tripled. Older adults with other health problems or those who needed emergency surgery were more likely to face these issues. However, there was some good news. Minimally invasive surgeries were linked to a lower risk of these problems. This shows that choosing the right type of surgery can make a big difference for older adults. Experts say it's important to pay close attention to older patients' unique needs. By doing so, doctors can help prevent these problems and get patients back home sooner. This approach can make a big difference in their recovery and overall health.