Is Anesthesia Safe?

When undergoing many surgical procedures, a patient will receive some sort of anesthesia. For localized or more minor operations a local anesthetic will be administered, numbing the area immediately surrounding the site of surgery. For more serious procedures a general anesthetic may be used, which renders the patient unconscious for the duration of the operation.

The medical benefits of anesthesia are clear and well documented, and modern medicine as we know it would not be possible without it. There are also very clear risks involved in the use of anesthesia, which is why anesthesiologists are required to complete an accredited residency program in the practice.

Common Concerns

Patients can be understandably wary of the practice of anesthesia, and often have serious misgivings about being rendered unconscious. Some of the more common concerns are:

#1: Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to the chemicals used in anesthesia are the most common complication. A patient under general anesthesia is monitored constantly, and will generally react right away if they are allergic. Doctors are equipped to managed and treat this eventuality should it occur.

#2: Pregnancy Risks

Research has consistently indicated that general anesthesia can contribute to maternal death during childbirth due to difficulty keeping the airway open, and can also cause create dangers for the baby such as decreased uterine blood flow and fetal depression.

#3: Not Waking Up

Although much has been made of the risk of “not waking up” after being administered general anesthesia, this risk is effectively negligible. Deaths that involve anesthesia are almost always the result of much more complex procedures or traumas which cause other stresses to the body.

Although extensive safeguards are in place to ensure the safe use of anesthesia, mistakes and errors can still occur.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a medical error involving anesthesia, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Call the experienced and skilled Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 610-667-7511 to schedule a consultation.