7 procedures that do more harm than good
Hospital doctors are still performing inappropriate surgeries that can leave patients with severe complications, a NSW study shows
27th February 2019
By Clare Pain
Hospital doctors are putting patients at risk by continuing to perform seven low-value procedures, Australian researchers warn.
The seven procedures — two of which are being carried out on high-risk patients — are still taking place at NSW public hospitals despite not being recommended by clinical experts.
The procedures include the following:
- Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm in asymptomatic patients at high surgical risk
- Renal artery angioplasty
- Carotid endarterectomy in asymptomatic patients at high surgical risk
- Spinal fusion for low back pain
- Knee arthroscopy for osteoarthritis or meniscal tears
- Colonoscopy for constipation in people under 50
- Endoscopy for dyspepsia in people under 55
The researchers, led by Professor Adam Elshaug of the University of Sydney’s school of