Risks of Surgery

Surgery has always been a vital part of modern medicine, able to treat certain conditions that other interventional means cannot. However, because of this medical miracle, it may be easy to forget the risks. If you are planning to have surgery your biggest concern should be the final outcome. Will your life be improved by the procedure or do the risks outweigh the rewards? No surgery is risk free, but understanding the possible complications can help you make a better decision.

Anesthesia Risks and Complication:

Minor surgical procedures require only local anesthetic to the target area. It is not so for major surgery for which general anesthesia is used instead. All types of anesthesia involve some risk, major side effects and complications from anesthesia are uncommon. Most problems associated with anesthesia are related to the process of intubation, or inserting the breathing tube. Anesthesia complications and mistakes occur on a regular basis, a horrifying truth that most people do not realize until it affects them or someone close to them.

Bleeding:

There is no doubt that cutting through the skin results in bleeding. As this happens, the surgeon stops the bleeding with hemostatic clamps or cauterization instruments to burn the vessels closed. Patients with a previous DVT are at greater risk for additional clots and should make their surgeon aware of this condition.

Problems With Wound Healing:

After the surgery, all internal and external wounds need to heal. Most surgical wounds heal without causing any problems. Wound infections are one of the most common complications after surgery. This means that bacteria have started to grow in your wound. If you develop an infection, you will usually be treated with a course of antibiotics but occasionally further surgery is needed. Pain management is also at issue when wounds are in their early stage of healing.

Pulmonary Complications:

Sometimes, pulmonary complications arise due to lack of deep breathing within 48 hours of surgery. This may also result from inhaling food, water, or blood, or pneumonia. Symptoms may include wheezing, chest pain, fever, and cough (among others).