Going under the knife is always a risky event, no matter how minor the procedure. However, certain surgeries are inherently dangerous, and come with a high risk of death.

Recent studies have found that there are some surgeries that carry a death risk of up to 61%.

The Most Dangerous Surgeries

According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the following surgeries carry the highest risk of death:.

1. Pancreatic surgery

This is a highly complex surgery with a high risk of complications. Patients undergoing this surgery may suffer from post-operative infections, organ failure, bleeding, and other complications.

2. Esophageal surgery

Surgery on the esophagus comes with a high risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, and delayed gastric emptying. The procedure also requires a skilled surgeon, which may not be available at smaller hospitals.

3. Liver resection surgery

Removing part of the liver is a risky procedure that can cause major complications such as bile leakage, liver failure, and infection. Patients who undergo liver resection surgery also have a high risk of liver failure, which can be fatal.

4. Heart surgeries

Heart surgeries such as open-heart surgery and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) carry a high risk of complications such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.

The death risk associated with heart surgeries is higher in elderly patients and those with underlying health conditions.

5. Lung resection surgery

Removing part of the lung can lead to serious complications such as respiratory failure, infection, and bleeding. Patients undergoing lung resection surgery also have a high risk of developing pneumonia.

Why are these Surgeries so Risky?

The reasons for the high death risk associated with these surgeries are often related to the complexity of the procedure.

These surgeries may require a highly skilled surgeon, and may have a high risk of complications before, during, and after the surgery. Additionally, patients who undergo these surgeries may already have underlying health conditions that can increase the risk of death.

Reducing Risk during Surgery

If you are undergoing one of these surgeries, or any other type of invasive procedure, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of complications and death. Some tips include:.

1. Choose the right surgeon

Before you undergo surgery, be sure to choose a surgeon with extensive experience in the specific procedure you need. You can also check their credentials and reputation online by reading reviews and checking medical boards.

2. Talk with your doctor about your health history

Be honest with your doctor about any pre-existing conditions you have, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Knowing your health history can help your surgeon plan for potential complications during the surgery.

3. Quit smoking and drinking

Both smoking and drinking can increase the risk of complications during surgery. If you smoke, try to quit at least a few weeks before your surgery. Similarly, if you drink, avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before surgery.

4. Follow post-operative care instructions

After your surgery, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. This may include a strict diet, exercise regimen, and medication schedule to help lower the risk of complications and promote healing.

Conclusion

Surgery is always a risk, but certain procedures come with a much higher risk of death. Patients who are undergoing one of the surgeries listed above should take extra precautions to reduce their risk of complications and death.

By choosing the right surgeon, being honest about your health history, and following post-operative care instructions, you can improve your chances of a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.