Royal College of Surgeons statement on news the Duke of Edinburgh is to undergo planned surgery
03 Apr 2018
It is understood that the Duke of Edinburgh has been admitted to hospital in central London for planned surgery on his hip.
Mrs Scarlett McNally, Council member of the Royal College of Surgeons and an orthopaedic surgeon, said:
“At this stage we do not know what type of hip operation the Duke of Edinburgh is due to undergo.
“All operations may have complications and some patients are at greater risk. A person's fitness is more important than their chronological age. Surgeons will always take account of these risks in helping patients decide whether they wish to proceed with surgery.
“Hip surgery is very effective at relieving pain and improving mobility, including in older patients. A whole team is involved including anaesthetists and physiotherapists. Performing it on higher risk patients still provides great benefit for the majority.”
Notes to editors
The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care.
For more information, please contact the Press Office:
- Telephone: 020 7869 6047/6052
- Email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk
- Out of hours media enquiries: 07966 486832