National Study Uncovers Significant Post-Surgical Challenges for Elderly Canadians
A concerning new national study from St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto has revealed that a significant number of Canadian seniors face substantial challenges recovering from major surgical procedures. The research, published in November 2025, indicates that one in six seniors develops a new disability within the first six months following non-cardiac surgery.
The Hidden Toll of Surgical Recovery
Led by Dr. Duminda Wijeysundera, a physician-scientist at St. Michael's Hospital, the comprehensive study surveyed more than 2,000 Canadian seniors aged 65 and older. The findings paint a troubling picture of the recovery experience for many elderly patients.
Beyond the physical disability itself, researchers discovered that affected patients frequently experienced additional negative outcomes including increased pain levels, more severe depressive symptoms, and significantly poorer quality of life. Perhaps most strikingly, a substantial portion of these patients expressed regret about their original decision to undergo the surgical procedure.
Identifying Risk Factors Before Surgery
The study identified several pre-existing conditions that significantly increased the risk of post-surgical disability or death. These critical risk factors included:
- Cognitive impairment
- General frailty
- Smoking history
- Mobility limitations
- Open surgical procedures
- Unmet social support needs
Dr. Wijeysundera emphasized the importance of these findings, stating in a news release that "The results of the study point to an important disconnect between what patients have indicated is important to them, and what we are apparently achieving in the health system."
A Call for Better Pre-Surgical Preparation
Despite the concerning findings, the research also highlighted that 76% of elderly patients who survive surgery maintain their functional abilities. However, the remaining one in six who struggle represent a significant population requiring attention.
In an interview with CTV News, Dr. Wijeysundera used a powerful analogy to illustrate the problem: "None of us would choose to run a marathon tomorrow without preparing, yet we get people to go through the very stressful and physical experiences of surgery, without much in the way of preparation."
The study strongly recommends that both patients and healthcare providers need to reset expectations about surgical recovery. Researchers noted that the average senior requires three to six months to return to their pre-surgery level of functioning, a timeline much longer than many anticipate.
This crucial research provides healthcare professionals with valuable information to improve pre-surgical discussions and better prepare elderly Canadians for the challenging recovery journey ahead.
