Problems with Anesthesia

Most people do not experience any problems following surgery and anesthesia. Serious complications of an anesthetic are very rare. Minor and temporary side effects may be experienced in some cases. This will again depend upon the surgery performed and the overall health status of the individual.  Drowsiness: A feeling of drowsiness is not uncommon following anaesthetic administration. It soon wears off quickly following the surgery. Pain and discomfort: A mild discomfort is usually felt in some cases. This can be effectively managed by medications used for pain relief. Nausea and Vomiting: As a result of modern anaesthetic drugs, nausea and vomiting after an operation is less common than it used to be. But there is answer to all these less common complications with improved patient care. Complications are more likely to occur after a long Anesthesia for a major case. Chest Infection This is more likely if there is a long procedure of chest or abdomen. Early mobilisation and chest physiotherapy can help in overcoming the problems. In some units the chest physio exercises are practiced before a major surgery so that the patient is familiar with them. Deep Vein Thrombosis: This is another complication that can occur due to the stasis of blood in the lower limbs and the blood clotting in the veins. To prevent this early mobilisation is advised. Even when in the bed the patient should move their toes and limbs to improve the circulation.

Anesthesia Types

• There are multiple ways for administering anesthesia, including: local, regional, peripheral nerve blocks, epidural/spinal and general. Depending on which type of anesthesia is given, it will neutralize a certain part of the patient's body, acting as a numbing agent to block all pain. Anesthesia also blocks the body's stress reactions to surgeries.
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Precautions

• Anesthesia affects the brain as well as the body The effects anesthesia has on you has a lot to do with your prior health and age. Anesthesia is also mixed with other medications to ensure release of anxiety and proper sedation, so keep in mind that these other medicines may have an impact on you as well while coming out of surgery.
  Local or regional anesthesia causes numbness and reduced feeling in a particular area of the body. Muscle control and coordination may also be affected.

Patient Care

• Patients are urged to talk to their nurses or doctors about any troublesome symptoms they experience while coming out of anesthesia. This can be a crucial time in a patient's life and needs to be handled with care and skill.