“Should I be worried about general anesthesia?”
I will have surgery under general anesthesia. Should I be worried about general anesthesia?
7 Answers
General anesthesia is a routine and generally safe procedure. However, like any medical intervention, there are potential risks and considerations to be aware of. It's important to have a thorough conversation with your healthcare provider who will be administering the anesthesia to discuss any concerns or specific risks that may apply to your situation.
While rare, complications can occur with general anesthesia, such as adverse reactions to medications, breathing difficulties, cardiovascular issues, and allergic reactions. The anesthesiologist will assess your overall health and consider factors such as age, medical history, and current medications to ensure the safest approach for you.
To minimize risks associated with general anesthesia:
1. Provide accurate information about your medical history, pre-existing conditions, allergies, and medications during pre-operative evaluations.
2. Follow all instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding fasting before surgery.
3. Cooperate with the anesthesiologist during pre-operative assessments and discussions.
4. Ask any questions or express concerns you may have beforehand so that they can be addressed.
Remember, healthcare professionals are experienced in administering general anesthesia safely. Trust their expertise and communicate openly about any worries or questions you may have.
While rare, complications can occur with general anesthesia, such as adverse reactions to medications, breathing difficulties, cardiovascular issues, and allergic reactions. The anesthesiologist will assess your overall health and consider factors such as age, medical history, and current medications to ensure the safest approach for you.
To minimize risks associated with general anesthesia:
1. Provide accurate information about your medical history, pre-existing conditions, allergies, and medications during pre-operative evaluations.
2. Follow all instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding fasting before surgery.
3. Cooperate with the anesthesiologist during pre-operative assessments and discussions.
4. Ask any questions or express concerns you may have beforehand so that they can be addressed.
Remember, healthcare professionals are experienced in administering general anesthesia safely. Trust their expertise and communicate openly about any worries or questions you may have.
Yes, relative to current medication and comorbidities.
General anesthesia is usually safe. Best to have an empty stomach and no sedatives 6-8 hours before surgery.
Complications from general anesthesia are quite rare. In general, if someone has good functional capacity (i.e. able to climb 1-2 flights of stairs without being significantly short of breath and labored), they will tolerate anesthesia well. If you have pulmonary problems, such as severe asthma or COPD, you may have problems being extubated (removal of the breathing tube). If you have a significant cardiac history (heart-attack within the past year, coronary artery bypass, multiple stents, or are an active smoker with diabetes, you should consult with your doctor about your concerns regarding general anesthesia.
Not really. General anesthesia is very safe. Your anesthesiologist will talk to you about general anesthesia before surgery and discuss the risks etc.
Over 110,000 people undergo general anesthesia every day in the USA. he pre-operative evaluation by the anesthesiologist is an important part of ensuring safe and uneventful anesthesia. Current and past medical problems need to be discussed, as well as any bloodwork or imaging.
Typically, no.
