Understanding the Risks of General Anesthesia Before Surgery

Preparing for surgery involves a thorough discussion with your surgeon and anesthesiologist about the procedure and its risks. It is important to understand that any medical procedure carries some level of risk.

Assessing Your Surgical Risk

Without knowing the specifics of your procedure and any co-morbidities you may have, it is impossible to accurately assess your surgical risk. Your risk level will be clearly communicated to you during your pre-operative consultation with the anesthesiologist.

It is entirely normal to be scared of the unknown, especially when you give complete control of your life to the anesthesiologists (MDA) and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA). With over 12.5 years as a surgical nurse and involvement in thousands of general surgical cases, I can confidently say that MDA and CRNA are highly trained and competent. As long as you are in relatively good health, your risks should be very low.

The Main Risks of General Anesthesia

The main risk of general anesthesia is suffering a complication of the surgery such as overwhelming infection, blood clot (which may travel to the lungs), or uncontrollable bleeding. Other serious complications can arise from the stress of going to the hospital, such as a stroke or heart attack. These are not always apparent until the start of the procedure.

Common Risks of the Anesthetic Itself

Several common risks associated with general anesthesia include:

Nausea and Vomiting: Caused by the anesthetic drugs or painkillers, even with newer drugs, nausea and vomiting are less common but still a significant problem. Anti-emetics are routinely given as a precaution, though they can have side effects such as restlessness and depressed mood. Prolonged Daytime Sleepiness and Fatigue: More common in the elderly, prolonged daytime sleepiness and easy tiring can last up to a month. However, the effects are generally less severe with newer anesthetic drugs.

Here are some of the rare but serious risks associated with the anesthesia itself:

Asphyxia: Failure to maintain your airway, an almost vanishingly small risk with the many available options. Anaphylaxis or Allergic Reactions: While anaphylaxis can occur, the expertise, drugs, and equipment to manage such reactions are readily available. Aspiration of Gastric Contents: Although common during minor surgery due to an unprotected airway, serious consequences are extremely rare.

Other Predictable Risks

There is a risk of needing ventilator support after you wake up if you have pre-existing lung disease or severe heart disease. This is a predictable risk and you will generally be warned in advance if you are going to need it.

Conclusion

While the risks of general anesthesia are real, they are generally low for those who are relatively healthy. It is crucial to discuss your specific risks with your anesthesiologist before your procedure. Understanding the potential risks can help you make an informed decision about your surgery.