What is the risk of complications during anesthesia?
June 7, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Laura Hahn
Dear Doctor,
My name is Konrad Otten and I am about to undergo a planned surgery that requires anesthesia. Although I have trust in the medical team that will take care of me during the procedure, I am very concerned about possible complications during the anesthesia.
I have read a lot about the various complications that can occur during anesthesia, such as an allergic reaction to the anesthesia drugs, breathing problems during anesthesia, or even unexpected cardiac arrest. These thoughts really scare me and I wonder how high the risk of such complications actually is.
I am 52 years old, have no known pre-existing conditions, and am otherwise healthy. Nevertheless, I am worried whether I might have a higher risk of complications that may not have been recognized before.
Could you please explain to me in detail how high the risk of complications during anesthesia is and if there are specific factors that could influence my personal risk? Are there measures I can take to minimize the risk of complications? I would like to learn more about this in order to better prepare for the upcoming surgery.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Konrad Otten
Dear Mr. Otten,
I understand your concerns and fears regarding possible complications during anesthesia and would like to respond to you in detail.
First of all, it is important to know that anesthesia is very safe nowadays and most patients undergo procedures without any problems. Most complications during anesthesia are rare and occur in less than 1% of cases. The most common complications include nausea and vomiting after anesthesia, pain at the site of the needle insertion for anesthesia, or temporary confusion upon waking up.
Regarding specific factors that could influence your personal risk of complications, various aspects play a role. Your age, overall health status, possible pre-existing conditions, allergies to medications, smoking, obesity, and the type of planned surgery can affect the risk. In your case, being 52 years old, having no known pre-existing conditions, and otherwise being healthy, your risk of complications is likely low.
However, there are measures you can take to minimize the risk of complications during anesthesia. For example, it is important to provide your anesthesiologist with all relevant information about your health, medications, allergies, and lifestyle habits. It is also important to follow your anesthesiologist's instructions before the operation, especially regarding food and fluid intake.
Furthermore, regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking and alcohol can help reduce your overall risk of complications during anesthesia. It is also important to discuss any fears or concerns with your anesthesiologist before the operation to better prepare and clarify any misunderstandings.
Finally, I would like to emphasize that the decision for anesthesia is always made in close consultation with your anesthesiologist, who will assess your personal risk and take appropriate measures to ensure your safety during the procedure.
I hope I have been able to answer your questions thoroughly and am available if you need further information.
Sincerely,
Laura Hahn
