Surgery Archive

Articles

What really happens in upper eyelid surgery?

Almost anyone who's bothered by the function or appearance of falling upper eyelids is a candidate for a surgery called upper blepharoplasty. It takes place in an outpatient surgery center. During the procedure, a surgeon makes incisions along the upper eyelid's natural folds, removes excess skin (and sometimes underlying fat) from the upper eyelids, and then closes the incisions with stitches. Recovery lasts two to four weeks. The procedure might be covered by insurance if sagging eyelids interfere with vision.

"Teleprehabilitation" reduces problems after heart surgery

Virtual personalized coaching about reducing heart-related risks before heart surgery may reduce complications after surgery, a 2024 study found. Delivered via smartphone, "teleprehabilitation" offers advice on smoking cessation, nutrition, and exercise.

Is it time for a knee replacement?

Annually, about 790,000 Americans (about 60% women) undergo knee replacement surgery. Women are more likely to have arthritis, the main culprit leading to most knee replacements. Before surgery becomes an option, people first need to try conservative treatments such as pain relievers, injectable medications, and physical therapy. Signs a knee replacement may be necessary include pain that hinders people from doing basic activities, unstable walking, and needing multiple medications to function.

Low-dose aspirin now the preferred agent to help prevent blood clots after knee replacement

A 2024 study found that low-dose aspirin therapy was more effective than taking anticoagulants for reducing the risk of blood clots following a total knee replacement surgery. Aspirin therapy also caused fewer bleeding complications.

Why choose bypass surgery over stents?

People who have stable angina despite taking medications can be treated with stents or bypass surgery. The best choice depends on the location and complexity of the artery blockages and other health conditions.

Upcoming surgery? You may not need any heart tests beforehand

Getting an electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to undergoing noncardiac surgery should be the exception rather than the rule. About half of surgeries are low-risk and pose very little danger for the heart. Asking about a person's symptoms during physical activity—for example, whether they can walk up a flight of stairs without feeling winded—is a better gauge of their risk than the findings from an ECG. But presurgical ECGs make sense for older, inactive people with heart disease. The results can reveal signs of reduced blood flow to the heart or an unstable electrical heart rhythm that may require treatment before surgery.

Dupuytren's contracture of the hand

One condition affecting the hands and fingers is Dupuytren's contracture, where one or more fingers become curled, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. Dupuytren's affects one in 20 Americans, so what do people need to know about it?

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