All articles tagged with #surgery complications
Hulk Hogan died at age 71, with his cause of death officially listed as a heart attack, but new details suggest a possible surgical error involving the severing of his phrenic nerve, which controls breathing, may have contributed to his death. His family is seeking further answers through an autopsy and body cam footage, amid ongoing questions about his medical care.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III returned to the Pentagon after a month-long absence due to surgery for prostate cancer and related complications, facing criticism for not immediately disclosing his illness to the White House. His return followed a deadly drone strike in Jordan, and he expressed outrage and sorrow for the loss of U.S. troops. Austin, known for his privacy, is set to testify before the House Armed Services Committee about the decision to keep his illness secret.
Audio of the 911 call made on behalf of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Jan. 1 reveals that his staff requested the ambulance to arrive "subtly" as he was taken to the hospital due to complications from surgery for prostate cancer. The call, obtained by CBS News, also shows that Austin's failure to report his hospitalization and prostate cancer to the White House has become a public issue, with President Biden acknowledging a lapse in judgment. Austin was released from the hospital on Monday and is expected to make a full recovery.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospitalization following prostate cancer surgery highlights the prevalence of prostate cancer, especially among Black men, and the potential complications of the procedure. Experts note that the surgery's rare but serious complications are typically treatable, and Austin is expected to have a full recovery. The case underscores the higher risk of prostate cancer among older and Black men, with genetic factors playing a significant role. Racial disparities in access to effective treatment for Black men are also highlighted.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's prostate cancer surgery, described as an "elective medical procedure" by the Pentagon, is not minor, according to cancer experts. The surgery, a prostatectomy, can be serious and is required for some patients. Austin experienced complications including severe abdominal, hip, and leg pain, nausea, and a urinary tract infection, which experts believe may have caused a urinary leak. However, his doctors anticipate a full recovery, with patients typically recovering in four to six weeks.
Patients taking weight loss drugs like Wegovy or Ozempic may face life-threatening complications during surgery due to the drugs' ability to slow digestion, increasing the risk of pulmonary aspiration. Anesthesiologists have reported cases of patients inhaling food and liquid into their lungs while sedated, even after following fasting instructions. The American Society of Anesthesiologists advises patients to skip weight-loss medications on the day of surgery and hold off on injections for a week before sedation procedures. However, some doctors suggest stopping the drugs for up to three weeks to ensure anesthesia safety. The drug manufacturers claim their clinical trial and safety data do not show a direct link to aspiration, but caution about possible gastrointestinal side effects.
A study from the University of Texas has found that smoking marijuana excessively can lead to major surgery complications, including blood clots, strokes, kidney issues, and even death. People with cannabis use disorder were found to be about 8% more at risk compared to others. Meanwhile, experts suggest that the tick season has likely peaked, but caution against rising tick-borne disease cases and emphasize the importance of taking precautions.
Overuse of marijuana, particularly in individuals with cannabis use disorder, has been linked to complications after major elective surgery, including blood clots, stroke, breathing difficulties, kidney issues, and even death, according to a study from the University of Texas Health Science Center. Smoking marijuana affects blood flow, respiration, body temperature, airway blockages, blood pressure, and heart rate, making recovery from surgery more challenging. The study found that patients with cannabis use disorder had a higher risk of complications compared to those without the disorder, and they also experienced longer hospital stays and higher medical bills. The authors recommend preoperative screening for cannabis use disorder in light of increasing rates of cannabis use.
Overuse of marijuana, particularly in individuals with cannabis use disorder, has been linked to complications after major elective surgery, including blood clots, stroke, breathing difficulties, kidney issues, and even death, according to a study from the University of Texas Health Science Center. Smoking marijuana affects blood flow, respiration, body temperature, airway blockages, blood pressure, and heart rate, making recovery from surgery more challenging. The study found that patients with cannabis use disorder had a higher risk of complications compared to those without the disorder, and they also experienced longer hospital stays and higher medical bills. The authors recommend preoperative screening for cannabis use disorder in light of increasing rates of cannabis use.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has advised patients taking diabetes and weight loss drugs such as Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy or Eli Lilly's Mounjaro to temporarily stop taking them before elective surgery due to potential complications. Anecdotal reports suggest an increased risk of vomiting and aspiration of food into the lungs during anesthesia or sedation. The drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, delay stomach emptying and reduce hunger, making them popular for weight loss. Patients experiencing gastric side effects while on these drugs are more likely to have residual food in their stomach. The ASA recommends skipping treatment on the day of surgery for daily users and stopping treatment a week before surgery for weekly users. Further research is needed to assess the risks of these treatments during surgery.