Is Being Put to Sleep for Surgery Really Dangerous?

Many people fear the anesthesia part of surgery, assuming the risks are high and the process is full of unknowns. However, speaking with anesthesiologist Dr. Christopher Troianos, we've debunked some common misconceptions and clarified important points about modern anesthesia practices.

Types of Anesthesia

There are different types of anesthesia to suit the needs of the patient and the nature of the surgery. Anesthesia doesn't always mean passing out. Here are the main types:

General Anesthesia

This is what most people think of when they imagine anesthesia. It is used for major surgeries like abdominal, chest, or brain surgeries, or for long or complicated procedures. During general anesthesia, you are completely unconscious and typically do not feel any pain.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia involves numbing a specific part of the body to prevent pain. It is often used in dental procedures, such as fillings or extractions, where only the mouth area needs to be numb. This type of anesthesia is non-intrusive and allows the patient to remain conscious.

Regional Anesthesia

Regional anesthesia numbs a larger part of the body, such as an arm, leg, or below the waist. An epidural during childbirth is a common example. It helps manage pain in a specific area without inducing a full state of unconsciousness.

Modern Safety of Anesthesia

Anesthesia has significantly improved over the decades, and today it is considered very safe. Dr. Troianos noted that in the 1960s and 1970s, anesthesia-related deaths were more common, happening about once in every 10,000 to 20,000 surgeries. Today, that risk is much lower, with only one in 200,000 surgeries leading to death.

This improvement is thanks to advances in technology and medication. Anesthesiologists now use various monitoring devices like pulse oximeters to ensure that you receive enough oxygen during surgery. They also have better tools to avoid complications like malignant hyperthermia, a rare but serious reaction to anesthetic drugs.

Surgery Side Effects

Post-surgery, side effects from anesthesia are usually minor. Common effects include nausea, a sore throat from the breathing tube used for general anesthesia, and minor soreness at the injection site for local or regional anesthesia. Most side effects diminish fairly quickly, but it is advised not to make major life decisions, drive, or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after surgery to ensure full recovery.

Risk of Paralysis from Epidurals

A common concern is the risk of paralysis from epidurals or spinal blocks. In the past, this risk was higher because of the way the anesthetic was sterilized. The anesthetic used to be in glass bottles, and staff cleaned them with alcohol-based solutions. If the alcohol leaked into the bottle, it could cause nerve damage, leading to paralysis. However, modern sterilization methods have eliminated this risk.

Being Awake During Surgery

The fear of being awake but paralyzed during general anesthesia is not realistic according to Dr. Troianos. While recent movies have depicted this scenario, it is extremely rare. Anesthesiologists have various monitoring strategies in place to prevent it. They monitor the patient's blood pressure and heart rate to ensure proper administration of anesthetic. In cases where vital signs are less reliable, anesthesiologists use brain wave monitoring to ensure the patient remains unconscious.

In summary, while there are indeed risks associated with anesthesia, modern medical practices have significantly reduced these risks, making the process safer and less frightening. It's important to discuss any concerns with your anesthesiologist or healthcare provider.

Keywords: anesthesia, surgery, safety