What are some serious risks associated with anesthesia? 

While serious risks associated with anesthesia are rare, they are taken very seriously. The following are some risks you might face during surgery and how anesthesiologists and your surgical team work to mitigate or detect these risks:

• Allergic reactions to anesthetic drugs: 
  • Risks: Patients can experience allergic reactions ranging from mild symptoms like rashes or itching to severe anaphylaxis, which causes breathing difficulties and requires immediate treatment.
  • Mitigation: Anesthesiologists review your medical history and known allergies before administering any anesthesia. They closely monitor your vital signs during the procedure for early signs of a reaction and can administer treatments like antihistamines, steroids, or epinephrine if necessary.

• Awareness during surgery (Anesthesia Awareness):

• • Risks: Anesthesia awareness is an extremely rare condition where a patient partially awakens during surgery and might recall sounds or mild sensations. It is more likely during high-risk surgeries where lighter anesthesia is used for safety reasons. 
  • Mitigation: Anesthesiologists use advanced monitoring techniques, including brain activity monitors, to ensure that you are fully unconscious and comfortable during surgery. They adjust the anesthesia levels based on your body’s responses to minimize this risk.

• Breathing difficulties:

• • Risks: During general anesthesia, your muscles, including those that help you breathe, are temporarily paralyzed. For this reason, a breathing tube is often inserted to ensure your airways remain open and you receive enough oxygen. 
  • Mitigation: Anesthesiologists closely monitor breathing patterns and oxygen levels. For patients at higher risk, such as those with preexisting conditions, special equipment like ventilators may be used to assist breathing.

• Low blood pressure (Hypotension):
  • Risks: Some anesthetic medications can cause a drop in blood pressure, which can be dangerous if not managed quickly. 
  • Mitigation: Your anesthesiologist will continuously track your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels using vitals monitors. If your blood pressure begins to drop, they can quickly intervene by adjusting medication, providing fluids, or using medications to stabilize your blood pressure.

• Malignant hyperthermia:
  • Risks: This is a rare but serious inherited condition that can cause a rapid rise in body temperature and severe muscle contractions in response to certain anesthetic agents. 
  • Mitigation: If you or a family member has a history of malignant hyperthermia, it’s critical to inform your healthcare team beforehand. To prevent this risk, your anesthesiologist may use specific anesthetic agents that are safer for patients at risk of this condition. If malignant hyperthermia is detected during surgery, the anesthesiologist will immediately administer a drug called dantrolene and take steps to cool your body and prevent complications.