The Dangers of Anesthesiology
Major surgeries generally require anesthesia to avoid pain and suffering for the patient. The anesthesia is administered either intravenously or through inhaled gases, and sometimes, a combination of both. The patient is rendered unconscious as if asleep, but since it relaxes the body, the anesthesiologist will monitor vital signs and assist breathing with a medical device. As scary as anesthesia seems, the process is one of the safest procedures in healthcare. A recent study at Yale University School of Medicine has reported a decrease in complications from surgery. They detailed that there was a near 60 percent drop in problems like nausea and difficulty breathing that are present in the recovery room. Part of the reason why anesthesia is safer is with the use of combinations of different products as well as the use of nerve blocks like epidurals. There are certain factors that can increase the risks of going under for surgery, including:
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- High Blood Pressure
- History of Heavy Alcohol Drinking
- Allergies to certain Medicines
- Use of Aspirin
- Vitamins or Supplements that affect Blood
Such factors may contribute to complications like momentary mental confusion, lung infections, heart attacks, strokes and even death. 25 years ago, dying from receiving anesthesia was much more likely, with two deaths per every 10,000 applications. These days the risk is much smaller at one per every 200,000 to 300,000. The American Society of Anesthesiologists explains that a person has a better chance of being struck by lightning than die from anesthesia related problems. Any medical procedure has certain risks associated with it. If you are concerned with your surgery, then make sure to speak to your doctor about any risk factors you have. Also, make sure that you follow all instructions that you receive to prepare for your procedure. While anesthesia is much safer, there is still an opportunity for something to go wrong if the proper care is not taken. If you have suffered through complications from anesthesia, contact a skilled personal injury attorney in New Braunfels today.
