Medicine has advanced at an impressive rate and transformed the healthcare system. Modern medication and equipment allow healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat illnesses and diseases more effectively. This has increased average life expectancy, improved access to medical care, and enhanced quality of life. With that in mind, here are some medical procedures that can improve your health and wellbeing.

Cataract surgery

Cataracts are a common health condition that affects millions of adults in the United States. The majority of people over the age of 50 will develop one or more cataracts. Most cataracts develop gradually over time and the condition causes the lens of the eye to become clouded. Often, people live with cataracts but they can become bothersome over time and affect a person’s vision and focus.

Most people complain of blurred vision before cataract surgery and describe cataracts as looking through a cloudy or frosted window. Fortunately, cataract surgery is extremely effective and most people report clear vision after the procedure is carried out. Cataract surgery can also improve a person’s self-esteem by replacing an unsightly clouded eye lens with a clear one.

Joint replacement

Joint replacement is a popular surgical procedure where parts of a damaged joint are removed and replaced with a ceramic, metal, or plastic artificial implant known as a prosthesis. Joint problems are common and can be the result of age, arthritis, or injury. Joint replacement surgery can restore a full range of movement and relieve the pain associated with joint issues.

Joint replacement surgery can be carried out on various areas of the body including the knee, hip, and shoulder. Joint replacement has come a long way and it is now a minimally invasive surgery that requires smaller incisions and a shorter hospital stay. Joint replacement surgery is one of the most effective ways to relieve chronic joint pain and improve mobility when non-surgical treatments have been unsuccessful.

Gastric banding

Obesity is a health crisis in the United States that costs the healthcare system a staggering $190.2 billion each year. Most people are aware that being obese puts them at risk of medical conditions like heart disease and stroke. However, losing weight can be extremely difficult. Gastric band surgery was introduced to treat obesity and reduce obesity-related illness.

Gastric banding surgery involves placing an inflatable band around the top of the stomach. This reduces the size of the stomach so that a person doesn’t have to eat as much to feel full. A gastric band can lead to quick and significant weight loss. Gastric band surgery is minimally invasive and can be reversed. Some other common surgical procedures to treat obesity are a gastric bypass and a sleeve gastrectomy.

Summary

Modern medicine has revolutionized the healthcare system and improved the quality of medical care. Nowadays, people are living longer and healthy lives thanks to the latest medical technologies. Above are examples of common medical procedures that can improve your health and wellbeing, but many other treatments could be beneficial to your health.