Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Hallberg's Picture of Health
Tom Crann and Dr. Jon Hallberg

Low-risk operations more dangerous for elderly patients than previously thought

Surgical tools are seen
Surgical tools are seen in April 2018 in Trujillo, Peru.
Leon Neal | Getty Images 2018

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

New research shows that some older and more frail patients are not being adequately warned before they undergo surgery.

A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association Surgery found an increased risk of post-operation death in frail patients, even with low- to moderate-risk operations.

“I think we always assume that if you have a frail, older person who's undergoing a high-risk surgery, that they're post-op risk of mortality is going to increase. But I certainly didn't think that would be the case with low- to moderate-risk surgery,” said Dr. Jon Hallberg, medical director of the University of Minnesota Physicians Mill City Clinic. “So that is a bit surprising.”

To find out how doctors are responding and what you need to know if you or an older family member are preparing for surgery, click play on the audio player above.