While currently safer than ever before, all types of surgery carry a risk of complications, both during and after the surgery.
Sometimes, surgery is the only option people are left with when they are in poor health, but it isn’t always the case. Changes to your lifestyle might mean you can avoid having surgery, but you should always discuss this with your doctor.
Health conditions affecting risk of complications
If you have any of the following health conditions, then you may be at a higher risk of experiencing complications during surgery:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease/stroke
- Obesity
- Lung conditions
- Kidney problems
- Anesthesia allergies
- Seizures/Neurological disorders
Pain
In the majority of cases, people experience some form of pain and discomfort following surgery. Just how much pain they feel is generally dependent on the type of surgery performed, the location, and how healthy the patient was before entering the operating theatre.
The pain should subside within a few days or weeks – again, dependent on the type of surgery and location – and you will be able to gradually return to your daily routine over time. It’s important not to rush the recovery stage though, as you may aggravate the area or rip stitches open, for example.
