The risks of general anesthesia are quite low and the occurrence of complications that can lead to death are extremely rare (about 4 out of every 1 million patients without serious diseases).
The reactions and Side effects most common types of general anesthesia are:
- Nausea and vomiting: They may occur after the patient wakes up, they are frequent but easily treatable.
- Difficulty concentrating and memorizing: They may manifest in the days following anesthesia and disappear spontaneously.
Although very rare, complications such as:
- Decreased blood pressure drop;
- Convulsions;
- Cardiac arrest;
- Residual Paralysis: It is caused by the muscle relaxant used in general anesthesia and is characterized by an inability to deeply inhale and cough as well as difficulty in swallowing. Such a condition can clog the upper airways, cause pneumonia, and even lead to death.
It is important to remember that the risks are often related to the person's state of health, preexisting diseases (diabetes, heart and respiratory problems, allergies) and the very complexity of the surgery.
When complications occur during general anesthesia, it is rarely the fault of anesthesia, but rather a whole set of factors.
What can increase the risks of general anesthesia?
- Previous history of anaphylactic shock;
- Obesity;
- Smoking;
- Allergy to drugs and food;
- Usual consumption of alcohol;
- Medicines;
- Use of illicit drugs;
- Sleep apnea.
In healthy or non-serious patients, the chances of a major event during surgery due to anesthesia are very small.
Provided that it is applied by well-trained professionals, the general anesthesia is very safe, because with all the equipment available today it is possible to maintain full control over the vital functions of the patient and to act quickly in the event of any problems.
In addition, the quality of current medications greatly diminishes the unwanted effects of general anesthesia.
However, the pre-anesthetic evaluation with the anesthesiologist is very important to avoid complications, since it detects possible risk factors associated with the patient, allowing to prepare it in the best way for the surgery.
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