Experts: no such thing as risk-free surgery

The National Institute of Health estimates 15 million Americans undergo surgery every year. Medical experts say there is no such thing as risk-free surgery.

Patients can protect themselves by doing their homework before agreeing to any operation or procedure, and being honest by revealing underlying medical conditions.
The doctor isn’t the only one who should be asking questions.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Grant Carlson said, “Every surgery, whether it is hangnail surgery or brain surgery, has potential complications. You have a risk every time you go into the operating room. The patient really needs to ask the surgeon hard questions. Well, doctor, how many of these operations do you do in a year? Where is this being performed? Is this being performed in your office or a free standing center? What would happen if I ran into complications?”

People with pre existing medical conditions may have greater risk of complications.
And surgical risks can be amplified if the doctor isn’t properly trained and accredited.

To check to see if your doctor is certified go to the American Board of Medical Specialists web site at www.abms.org.