What are the risks in having an operation done when you have copd?

Depends: It depends on how bad the COPD is and where the proposed surgery is. For example, COPD significantly raises the risk for surgery that will remove part of your lung or that involves the chest or upper abdomen but only mildly increases the risks for surgery away from the chest (i.e. Knee surgery). This is something that should be discussed with a doctor who knows your COPD severity and other risks.

Depends: Risk of surgery depends on the procedure bring performed as well as the severity of your COPD including your oxygen level at the time of the procedure. If bronchospasm is present, it should be controlled as much as possible ore-procedure. If you currently smoke, you need to quit before the planned procedure. See your doctor to insure what can be controlled is done so you are at your best lung-wise.