Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 8/22/2009

Question
Hello,
I'm 59 years old and recently ahd surgery for my back. Within the last two years I've had three serugeries and potentially might have another one in the near future. My question is what are the risks, if any, of having surgeries so frequent with minumal time in between using general anathetic. Thansk for your time

Answer
Hi there
There are risks associated with every operation and these depend on the procedure and your health. However having lots of anaesthetics does not increase these risks and indeed many people have to have regular general anaesthetics for various treatments and procedures and experience no problems. The operations themselves however can take a lot out of your system - as in if they are big operations involving large wounds then your body has to heal each time. The body tends to use up some of your muscle mass to help this process and so lots of large operations can have an effect on people. I would not usually include back operations in this group.
Hope this helps.
Dr Ian Jackson