General Anesthesia: Side Effects and Risks
Many medical procedures and surgeries require general anesthesia. The patient will be “asleep”, and not feel any pain during surgery.
General anesthesia is generally considered safe. However, it does have some side effects and risks. Most people won’t experience problems, but sometimes they happen. You will be closely monitored by your healthcare team during and after surgery to make sure you are comfortable and safe.
General anesthesia is associated with the following side effects and risks:
Memory Loss and Temporary Confusion
It’s common to experience confusion and memory loss after you wake up from anesthesia. It is temporary and usually resolves within a couple of hours.
It is very important to have someone who can help you in the first few days after surgery, and drive you home.
After surgery, older adults and those with cognitive problems may experience confusion and memory loss for a longer period of time. This should subside as soon as you stop taking the medication.
Dry Mouth & Sore Throat
The symptoms may not be related to anesthesia but rather to the procedure.
Your lungs cannot function at their full capacity when you are under general anesthesia. A breathing tube is inserted down your throat into your lungs to help. The tube is connected to a breathing machine.
When you awaken, the breathing tube can cause minor irritation in your throat. This is temporary and usually resolves within a few days.
Unintentional Intraoperative Awareness
Some people are aware of the surgery they undergo , even though they should be asleep.
This can happen for a number of reasons, including if anesthesia is not working correctly or the body of the patient metabolizes drugs too rapidly.
To prevent this, the anesthesiologist monitors the vital signs of the patient and adjusts the anesthesia as necessary.
It is rare for the patient to recall this experience.
Allergic Reaction
While it is rare, some people can have an allergic reaction to the anesthesia medication .
An allergic reaction can include a rash or swelling, breathing difficulties, and other symptoms.
Your healthcare team is prepared to treat this occurrence and ensure your safety.
Tell your anesthesiologist if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to anesthesia.
Cardiac Arrest
The general anesthesia can also affect the heart and blood vessels. Your blood pressure may drop or your heartbeat may become irregular.
Anesthesia can cause complications in people with heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Your anesthesiologist is aware of this, and will take extra precautions in order to avoid problems.
Anesthesia in patients with heart disease is becoming safer , as technology and knowledge improve.
Is it safe?
In spite of these side effects, anesthesia is almost always a better option than surgery.
Anesthesiologists have a high level of training and experience and will do their best to ensure that you are comfortable and safe during surgery.
