Length of surgery varies with case
Dear Dr. Gott: My physician suggested that I get arthroscopic shoulder surgery because of a torn rotator cuff and a bone spur. He told me the operation will last between two and three hours. This seems like a long time to me. I’ve read on the Internet that the procedure should take from 15 minutes to three hours. I’ve also spoken to other people who have had the same surgery completed in an hour. Why the discrepancy?
Dear Reader: As a general rule, the duration of surgery is a function of how much has to be done, technical factors and the skill of the surgeon.
For shoulder arthroscopy, 15 minutes seems much too short a time, three hours a little on the long side. Therefore, I suggest that you speak to the orthopedic surgeon who will perform the surgery. Ask him exactly what needs to be done and how long it will take. He is the best resource to answer your questions. Don’t rely solely on the Internet.
You might also question him about nonsurgical treatment, such as cortisone shots and an intensive rehab program supervised by a licensed physical therapist. Perhaps you may be one of the lucky people who doesn’t need surgery at all.
Dear Dr. Gott: I read your column on treating psoriasis with Lestoil, a kitchen cleanser. However, I cannot find a store that carries the product. Please help.
Dear Reader: As is my practice, I mentioned in a column several months ago that Lestoil helped a reader with psoriasis. Judging from my readers’ mail, this home remedy is ineffective — and Lestoil is virtually impossible to find. Therefore, in a follow-up article, I told readers that this alternative therapy is not appropriate; unlike Vicks VapoRub for nail fungus and Certo with grapejuice for arthritic pain, Lestoil doesn’t work. I’m sorry to report this, but it did not withstand the criticism of my alert and interested readers, who once again proved that experience is a valuable constituent of success — or lack thereof.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Eczema and Psoriasis.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
Dear Dr. Gott: I constantly clip your articles out of my local newspaper so I can keep them for future reference. Have you considered a book that might cover some of the topics you discuss in your column?
Dear Reader: As luck would have it, I have a new book about to be released entitled “Live Longer, Live Better: Taking Care of Your Health After 50.” It is available through Quill Driver Books, (800) 605-7176, www.QuillDriverBooks.com. I hope you enjoy it.