Understanding the risks of surgery
Surgery and anaesthesia are much safer than they once were. However, risk cannot be removed completely and therefore it is important for you to understand the risk of having surgery.
Assessing the risk of having surgery is complex and different for everyone. The following need to be considered before making decisions about surgery:
- Your general health?
- The seriousness of the condition?
- Are there options other than surgery?
- What do you hope to achieve from surgery and how likely is that to happen?
- The risk of complications after surgery and how this may affect your quality of life?
The doctors and nurses will evaluate and explain any risks to your health and wellbeing. It is also important to understand the potential side effects and complications that may occur from your surgery or anaesthetic.
The tests we undertake before surgery are used to help clinicians assess risk. We may suggest different treatment options to help mitigate this risk.
We will work with you to reduce risk from surgery. Things that may be suggested and should be carefully considered:
- Attending appointments
- Stopping smoking
- Reducing your alcohol intake
- Eating healthily
- Controlling your blood sugars if you are diabetic
- Being active in your everyday life
- Undertaking breathing and muscle exercises.
- Taking specialist medications if required. These may include: nutritional supplements, iron supplements, heart medications, anticoagulant medications, wearing specialist deep vein thrombosis stockings.
More information on understanding the risks of surgery can be found on the Royal College of Anaesthetists website.