The most common elective surgical procedure for older adults was major joint surgery, according to a recent study.
The study, published Jan. 30 in JAMA Network Open, surveyed 2,110 adults 50- to 80-years-old in August 2021. Respondents were asked whether they had considered an elective surgery — defined as a procedure that was scheduled in advance and not done for an immediate life-threatening health problem — in the past five years.
Of respondents, 32% reported considering having elective surgery, and 66.6% of those underwent surgery.
Here are the five most common elective surgical procedures considered:
Major joint surgery: 18.1%
Eye surgery: 12.4%
Abdominal surgery: 10.2%
Cosmetic surgery: 8.8%
Foot or leg surgery: 6.8%