Twelve Surgeries You May Be Better Off Without
According to Consumer Reports Medical Guide, there are twelve invasive procedures that may be over performed in the United States and may have safer or more effective alternatives:
1.Angiography
2.Angioplasty
3.Cesarean section
4.Episiotomy
5.Hysterectomy
6.Circumcision
7.Enlarged prostate procedures
8.Prostatectomy
9.Surgery for back pain
10.Surgery for weight loss
11.Cutting out heartburn
12.Wisdom tooth extraction
Every situation is unique and decisions about surgery must be made based on each patient's specific clinical circumstances. If you or your loved one is considering one of these surgeries we recommend you make sure you have discussed why this surgery is the best choice under the circumstances and why the generally accepted alternatives are not the right choice for you.
For a detailed explanation of the risks of the 12 procedures listed above and the Consumer Reports' recommendations regarding alternatives, please go to the Consumer Reports Medical Guide.