What are the major risks?

Most surgeries go well, without any complications. Infection and blood clots are two serious complications that concern us the most. To avoid these complications, we use antibiotics and blood thinners. We also take special precautions in the operating room to reduce risk of infections, such as wearing “space suits,” which are full-headed and -body operating garments that are exceptionally sterile. The chances of acquiring an infection or developing a blood clot are 1 percent or less.