Anaesthesia
Typical anaesthesia risks, what changes them, and how to reduce avoidable complications.
Anaesthesia risks
Anaesthesia is generally safe, but risk varies by age, health, urgency, and the type of operation. Risks can include airway problems, aspiration, allergic reactions, awareness (rare), nausea, dental injury, and cardiovascular events.
Risk is context-dependent
A healthy person having a short elective procedure is different from an older person with heart failure having emergency surgery. Ask for a risk discussion that matches your context.
What reduces anaesthesia risk
- Accurate medication list and allergies
- Fasting instructions and aspiration precautions
- Optimizing chronic conditions (blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea)
- Monitoring standards and experienced staff
Questions to ask your anaesthetist
- What type of anaesthesia is planned, and why?
- What complications are most relevant to me?
- How will pain and nausea be managed?
- What should I do about my regular medications?