Surgical risks

Surgery risk depends on the procedure, the person, and the team/hospital systems. It includes: bleeding, infection, damage to nearby structures, blood clots, anesthesia complications, and recovery issues.

What changes risk the most

Patient factors

Age, frailty, obesity
Heart/lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes
Smoking, alcohol, malnutrition
Medications (blood thinners, immunosuppressants)

System factors

Surgeon and center experience for that specific procedure
ICU availability and rapid-response capacity
Infection control and perioperative pathways
Access to blood products and imaging

Prehabilitation and optimization

Many complications are preventable. Examples include stopping smoking, improving fitness, managing anemia, controlling blood pressure, and clarifying medications.

Questions to ask before elective surgery

What are the top 3 complications and their approximate likelihood in someone like me?
What benefits should I expect, and how soon?
Are there non-surgical alternatives?
What would “success” and “failure” look like?
What is the rescue plan if something goes wrong (ICU, transfer, etc.)?