Are there any side effects of anesthetics?
April 30, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Laura Hahn
Dear Doctor,
my name is Rolf Melzer and I am about to undergo a surgery where I will receive general anesthesia. I am very concerned about possible side effects of anesthesia medications and I wonder if I should expect any unwanted consequences after the operation.
The reason for my question is that in the past, I had a previous experience with anesthesia and afterwards I struggled with nausea and vomiting. This was very distressing for me and I really want to avoid it happening again. Furthermore, I have heard that anesthesia medications can also lead to side effects such as confusion, dizziness, or headaches.
I am thinking about how I can protect myself from possible side effects and if there are any measures I can take to minimize the risk of complications. For example, are there specific anesthesia medications that cause fewer side effects? Or are there preventive measures I can take to reduce the risk of unwanted consequences?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with more information on this topic so that I can go into the operation feeling more at ease. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Rolf Melzer
Dear Mr. Melzer,
Thank you for your message and your trust. It is understandable that you are concerned about possible side effects of anesthesia, especially due to your experiences with nausea and vomiting after a previous anesthesia. It is important that you are informed about these things and feel well prepared before undergoing surgery.
First and foremost, I want to emphasize that most side effects of anesthesia are usually temporary and resolve on their own after the operation. Nausea and vomiting are among the most common side effects of anesthesia, but can be minimized through various measures. Your anesthesiologist will take a detailed medical history before the operation and consider possible risk factors for nausea and vomiting. There are also specific medications that can be used preventatively against nausea.
Regarding other possible side effects such as confusion, dizziness, or headaches, it is important to know that these are usually rare and often temporary. Your anesthesiologist will adjust the dosage of anesthesia accordingly to minimize the risk of side effects.
There are different types of anesthesia that are suitable for different patients and surgeries. Your anesthesiologist will tailor the selection of anesthesia to you individually, based on factors such as your health status, medical history, and the type of surgery. There are also modern anesthesia techniques such as total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), which are considered particularly gentle and tolerable.
To minimize the risk of complications, it is important that you discuss all relevant information with your anesthesiologist before the operation. Inform him about your medical history, any allergies or intolerances, and any concerns you may have. It is also important that you fast before the operation and follow the instructions of your anesthesiologist.
I hope that this information helps you feel a bit more at ease about the operation. If you have any further questions or need more information, I am happy to assist you. Thank you again for your inquiry and all the best for your operation.
Sincerely,
Laura Hahn
