Joe had three valve surgeries and needed a fourth.
The first surgery in an uncomplicated case with an otherwise healthy person has a 1-2% mortality rate, and the lower number with a good surgeon. That was the case for Joe.
When Joe was faced with a second surgery, he was still fairly healthy, and was quoted about the same mortality rate as the first surgery.
When he faced his third surgery, he had many medical issues, but they were controllable. His cardiologist was loathe to recommend surgery, and dragged his heels for a very long time. Joe was not a person to fool around (triple type A personality), and he was quite symptomatic. He spoke directly with his surgeon, and also his cardiologist and forced the issue.
Instead of opening up the sternum again, the surgeon did a HeartPort surgery through the side.
He was quoted a 15% mortality rate.
He actually did very well with this surgery.
Along the way, Joe also had two serious lung surgeries, one on one side for a benign tumor, and one on the other side for a pleural peel.
Then his tricuspid started acting up, and he also developed an enlarged aortic root. Along with that, his overall health deteriorated, and he had Pulmonary Hypertension which complicated things a great deal.
As far as getting a 4th valve surgery, no one would operate on him at this point, and his symptoms were handled medically. His doctors all told him very frankly that a 4th surgery was not an option and that he would not make it off the table. Eventually, he developed multiple organ failure.
This might not happen the same way for others, but it demonstrates how one's overall health can influence subsequent surgical outcomes.
And it is why it is impossible to predict what will happen to you in the future.
Many of the questions you are seeking answers for really have no answers, and won't until the actual time arrives.