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- Better get a second opinion!
- 1. Removal of the gallbladder
- 2. Abrading of the shoulder bone
- 3. Cardiac Catheter Examination
- 4. Reflection of the knee joint
- 5. Surgical interventions on slipped discs
- 6. Uterine removal
Better get a second opinion!
A recent study gives frightening numbers: In almost no other country is operated as much as in Germany - and rising. But why do German doctors resort so quickly to the scalpel? The coffers suspect profit greed, because for some operations, the hospitals receive in one fell swoop several thousand euros. So there is actually the suspicion that in this country more and more often premature or even unnecessary surgery is performed, instead of first using gentler treatment methods.
Here are six operations where you should be extra careful and prefer a second expert opinion first.
1. Removal of the gallbladder
In the case of gallstones, many doctors immediately recommend an operation in which the gallbladder (located under the right costal arch) is removed. But the fact is: at least 30 percent of these operations are unnecessary . Because often the stones can be dissolved with medication . An alternative treatment is shock wave therapy. Only when these possibilities are excluded should surgery be carried out.
2. Abrading of the shoulder bone
Behind frequent, strong shoulder pain is usually the shoulder-narrow syndrome. Here, the humeral head is no longer properly held by the muscles and abuts the shoulder roof. Often a piece of bone is then milled off. But studies show that surgery rarely brings lasting relief. Better is a regular physiotherapy.
3. Cardiac Catheter Examination
This examination method should only be performed if procedures such as cardiac computed tomography do not provide a concrete diagnosis. Risks of catheter examination include rebleeding, bruising or even a heart attack . According to experts, 50 to 75 percent of the interventions are superfluous.
4. Reflection of the knee joint
Arthroscopy is still a common practice in osteoarthritis in Germany. It is a procedure in which the joint is flushed and the cartilage surfaces are smoothed. Half of these operations are meaningless, according to the latest estimates. More advantageous is regular knee gymnastics. The pain can also be treated very well with the injection of hyaluronic acid .
5. Surgical interventions on slipped discs
Around 80 percent of all back surgeries are considered expendable. Especially with herniated discs is often resorted to rash to the scalpel. The pain disappears in eight out of ten cases even without intervention - by rehab exercises, heat applications and anti-inflammatories. However, if symptoms of paralysis appear, surgery is usually inevitable.
6. Uterine removal
Even with a benign tumor (myoma) in the uterus, the organ is often completely removed. In 90 percent of cases absolutely unnecessary - and because of hormonal changes often associated with side effects such as depression . Alternatives: drug treatment or a womb-preserving fibroid surgery.
