Find Your Surgical Risk Factors
Why adequate preparation produces better outcomes
Over 30% of surgeries in the United States result in complications. Thankfully, more than 70% can be avoided with adequate preparation. By identifying potential concerns early, you and your surgical team can take proactive steps to protect yourself from the most common complications. Depending on your demographics, medical history, family history, and the type of surgery you will undergo, you may be at high risk of common complications.
Based on your risk factors, you can take the necessary steps to minimize those risks and ensure a smoother surgical experience. A thorough preoperative evaluation will gather information about your overall health, specific medicines, and a detailed list of your medical conditions. Your medical team will then be able to assess the potential impact on your surgery and plan accordingly.
How can I make sure I am ready for surgery?
To prevent complications, it is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for our preparation. This may include maintaining a balanced diet, managing chronic conditions, and discussing any concerns or medications with your healthcare team. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, weight loss, and exercise habits can significantly influence surgical outcomes. Quitting smoking in advance of surgery can meaningfully reduce your risk of secondary infections, even if you make these changes just days in advance.
Pre-diabetes or diabetes
High blood sugar levels can impair the body’s normal healing process. This can lead to severe wound infections like sepsis in the site of surgery. As a result, diabetes patients with a HbA1c level above 7% are 10 times as likely to develop a surgical site infection or other complication in the week following an elective, noncardiac surgery. Talk to your doctor to see if you need to make any changes to your diabetes medications and if your insulin schedule needs to be adjusted.
Poorly controlled anemia
Before undergoing a procedure, discuss your anemia condition with your healthcare team as it can increase the risk of cardiac complications and wound healing problems during surgery. Red blood cells transport oxygen to various tissues and organs in the body. If you have a low red blood cell count, the body may not receive an adequate oxygen supply, which can lead to potential complications during and after surgery.
Early detection is critical. Your medical team can take the time to evaluate the source of your anemia and work to address it given enough notice. However, if you experience severe anemia, you may need to undergo a blood transfusion prior to the procedure.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Nearly 40 million Americans struggle with sleep apnea, with many going undiagnosed for years. Since uncontrolled sleep apnea increases your risk of cardiac complications during recovery from your surgery, ask your primary care physician or surgeon about preoperative testing and treatment for the condition if you think you may have this condition. If you’re overweight or over 65 years old, you are more likely to experience OSA.
History of blood clots, varicose veins, or pulmonary embolism
Surgery and the subsequent reduced movement increase your risk of developing blood clots in your legs. These blood clots can lead to discomfort and inflammation, and in some cases, may even migrate to other areas of the body such as the lungs.
Depending on the type and duration of the surgical procedure, your provider may suggest preventive measures such as anticoagulant medications or leg compression devices to mitigate the risk of blood clot formation.
High blood pressure or hypertension
Depending on your levels, you may need to undergo additional diagnostic tests, such as electrocardiograms or stress tests, to assess the function of the heart under increased pressure and detect any possible heart disease. If you have uncontrolled hypertension, your provider may postpone the surgery until your blood pressure is managed.
Additionally, the anesthetic techniques and medications may need to be adjusted to accommodate any hypertension. Anesthesiologists might use medications to prevent sudden increases in blood pressure or drops in blood pressure that can occur due to anesthesia or the surgery itself.
On the day of your surgery, your blood pressure should ideally be within the controlled range, facilitated by appropriate medication management.
Unreported allergies
Certain medications, substances, or materials used in the procedure may trigger an allergic reaction. It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any known allergies you have, even if they seem unrelated to the surgery. This includes allergies to medications, latex, iodine, penicillin, general anesthesia, or any other substances commonly encountered in a medical setting. Be sure to note the symptoms of your allergies, especially if they include trouble breathing.
Your healthcare provider will take appropriate precautions to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction. This may involve using alternative medications or materials that are safe for you, and closely monitoring your vital signs throughout the procedure.