“What can go wrong with anesthesia?”
I am a 64 year old male. I want to know what can go wrong with anesthesia?
3 Answers
AnesthesiologistAnesthesiologist
Malignant hyperthermia is a rare occurrence among genetically susceptible patients. It involves an irregularly in muscle contraction with extreme calcium release and increased metabolism with an increase in body temperature.
Airway problems. Anesthetics create an unconscious state in which a patient is unable to protect one's airway. They generally knock out the drive to breathe and the ability to reflexively protect the aspiration of stomach contents. This is why a preoperative fast for > 8 hours is recommended. Aspiration pneumonia is always a risk. Additionally, chipped or broken teeth or dental work can occur from intubation with use of a laryngoscope.
Allergic reaction. Patients can mount a histamine-related response to any anesthetic or other drugs such as perioperative antibiotics.
Nerve/soft tissue compression. A patient under deep sedation or general anesthesia is not aware of sensation at critical pressure points, such as ulnar, tibial or femoral nerves and face and eyes. Nerve palsies or compression injuries can result.
Regional anesthesia complications, although rare, include, but are not limited to bleeding, infection, allergy, nerve damage, seizures, swings in blood pressure, and cardiac arrest. In the qualified hands of an anesthesiologist, overall risks are minimal.
Airway problems. Anesthetics create an unconscious state in which a patient is unable to protect one's airway. They generally knock out the drive to breathe and the ability to reflexively protect the aspiration of stomach contents. This is why a preoperative fast for > 8 hours is recommended. Aspiration pneumonia is always a risk. Additionally, chipped or broken teeth or dental work can occur from intubation with use of a laryngoscope.
Allergic reaction. Patients can mount a histamine-related response to any anesthetic or other drugs such as perioperative antibiotics.
Nerve/soft tissue compression. A patient under deep sedation or general anesthesia is not aware of sensation at critical pressure points, such as ulnar, tibial or femoral nerves and face and eyes. Nerve palsies or compression injuries can result.
Regional anesthesia complications, although rare, include, but are not limited to bleeding, infection, allergy, nerve damage, seizures, swings in blood pressure, and cardiac arrest. In the qualified hands of an anesthesiologist, overall risks are minimal.
It is a complicated answer. It depends on your co-existing diseases (if any) and type of surgery. Usually, there are no problems, but a lot of potential complications need to be discussed with your anesthesiologist when you give consent for your surgery and anesthesia.
Too long an answer for this forum. Suffice it to say that risks are minimal, but not zero. The entire body can be affected in some way.
