Resources
The Latest From the Operating Table
Many surgeons are thinking twice before picking up the scalpel. Here's why.
| Problem | The Case Against Surgery | What To Do Instead | Risk With Alternative |
| Back Pain | In the majority of cases, the problem fixes itself | Exercises to build up strength, weight loss | Only as good as your work-out discipline |
| Periodontal Disease | Sometimes involves removing teeth | Antibiotics combined with intensive cleaning | No evidence that benefits last long-term |
| Sinusitis | Can easily make things worse | Regular use of nasal wash, diet changes | Won't work for everyone |
| Tonsilitis | Study indicated kids who got surgery didn't get significantly fewer throat infections | Antibiotics | If you get strep repeatedly, surgery may be a better option |
| Hernias in the (Male) Groin | Many men don't even notice they have a hernia | Physicals every six months | Small potential of complication requiring immediate surgery |
| Arthritic Knees | Study showed placebo treatment was just as effective | Anti-inflammatory medicines, exercise, weight loss | The surgery/no surgery question is hotly debated |