‘Huge issues’ from complex surgical cases

THE increasing complexity of surgical cases in Ireland is creating huge issues for services, a professor has claimed.

Deborah Mcnamara said the challenges posed by sufferers of multiple diseases must be addressed.

She added: “I can already see the impact of our ageing population in my own clinical practice in Beaumont Hospital.

“Half of emergency laparotomies in the hospital last year were carried out on patients over 65 years of age and 16% were on patients over 80.

“The result of this is co-morbidity is the new norm.”