Posted in: | Dec 10,2019
Going under anesthesia for medical procedures is very common. Advancements in medical and anesthetic technology have now made it fairly routine for Americans to have procedures under general or regional anesthesia.
There are possible risks with anesthesia that you must know of and discuss with your anesthesiologist. An informed patent is the safest patient.
There are specific medical conditions that place you at a higher risk of anesthesia-related complications. For example, if you are obese, have a history of smoking, or drug abuse, you may be at a higher risk of anesthesia complications. Please make sure that your surgeon as well as your anesthesiologist are completely and fully aware of your smoking history or any medical procedures that you have undergone earlier. There is no way to overstate this. Complications can result if the anesthesiologist is not completely aware of your full medical history.
Persons who suffer from cardiovascular problems, a history of stroke, and those with a history of seizures may also have a higher risk of anesthesia errors. Make sure that the anesthesiologist is aware of any allergies you have.
Ask your doctor who will be administering the anesthesia to you. Typically, this will be an anesthesiologist, and it’s a good idea to talk to him before the procedure. In other cases, it may be a physician anesthesiologist supervising assistants and other team members in your care. Ask if a breathing tube will be required in your case. Make sure that the anesthesiologist knows about all your medications, and don’t simply assume that the hospital will have a complete record of all your medications. Bring a list of all medications, including your over-the-counter medications to your anesthesiologist.
Make sure that the anesthesiologist is aware of even minor cosmetic procures that you have had before. Doctors aren’t judgmental people, so don’t be embarrassed.
Following these precautions could lower your risk of suffering a complication as a result of an anesthesia error.
