Weight-Loss Surgery for Seniors Still Iffy

By Nancy Walsh, Staff Writer, MedPage Today

Surgeons should continue to exercise caution in considering bariatric surgery for patients older than 65, a researcher said here.

Although age over 65 was not a significant predictor of 30-day mortality after open bariatric surgery, there was a trend in that direction compared with patients ages 50 to 64 (OR 3.3, 95% CI 0.8 to 14.3), according to Robert B. Dorman, MD, and colleagues from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Being over 65 was significantly associated with a prolonged length of stay in the hospital after an open procedure (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.9).

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The Earlier the Better for Hip Fracture Surgery from MedPage Today

By Crystal Phend, Senior Staff Writer, MedPage Today
Minimizing delays in surgery for hip fracture may improve survival and reduce complications among older patients, according to a meta-analysis.

These results support guidelines recommending that surgery occur within 24 hours of hip fracture, which studies have shown leads to better functional outcomes and lower mortality and complications that can arise from prolonged bed rest, such as pressure sores, deep vein thrombosis, and urinary tract infections.
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