The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that deaths from surgery have declined tremendously over the last decade. From 1999 to 2009, the rate of death associated with complications of medical and surgical care has decreased. This statistic pertains to all age groups for individuals over 45. CDC’s report, which is part of its National Vital Statistic System, includes:

• Deaths per 100,000 population declined 39 percent to 71.3 deaths for adults 85 years of age or older;
• Deaths per 100,000 population declined 37 percent to 51.4 deaths for adults ages 75-84;
• Deaths per 100,000 population declined 38 percent to 27.9 deaths for adults 65-74 years old;  and
• Deaths per 100,000 population declined 28 percent to 8.9 deaths for adults ages 45-64.

Visit CDC’s National Vital Statistics System for more information.