What Are the Side Effects of Anesthesia?
- Jen Overton
- Dec 31, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 22
As an experienced healthcare provider, I understand that the prospect of anesthesia can be a source of anxiety for many patients. While anesthesia is a common and generally safe practice, it’s entirely normal to have questions about its potential side effects. In this blog post, I aim to provide some insight into the side effects of anesthesia, helping you feel more informed and at ease as you prepare for your procedure. Knowledge is power!
Understanding Anesthesia
Anesthesia essentially means rendering a patient unaware of pain or discomfort during surgical procedures. There are various types of anesthesia, including:
General Anesthesia: Induces a state of controlled unconsciousness.
Want to know more about General Anesthesia? Click the image below.
Regional Anesthesia: Blocks sensation in specific areas of the body (e.g., spinal or epidural anesthesia, regional blocks for surgery like interscalene or erector spinae block).
Local Anesthesia: Numbs a small area for minor procedures.
Each type has its own set of potential side effects, but it's important to note that serious complications are rare. According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), the risk of major complications from anesthesia is less than 1 in 200,000 for general anesthesia.
Want to dive deeper into different kinds of anesthesia? Click the image below to read What Is Anesthesia? Understanding the Types and Their Safety.
Common Side Effects of Anesthesia
1. Nausea and Vomiting
One of the most common side effects of anesthesia, particularly general anesthesia, is postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Studies estimate that up to 30% of patients may experience this issue. Patients most likely to experience PONV are those who are young, female, have a history of motion sickness, are non-smokers, long cases using anesthesia gas, and are given opioid medication in recovery. (Apfel et al., 2012). While PONV can be uncomfortable, it is usually manageable with medications provided by your healthcare team.
If you know ahead of time that you may be prone to nausea, tell your anesthesia team when you meet them in the pre-operative area. Often times, additional medication or a change in how the anesthesia is delivered can help avoid this side effect.
2. Drowsiness and Fatigue
After receiving anesthesia, you may feel drowsy or fatigued as the effects wear off. This is a normal response as your body adjusts back to consciousness. Most patients regain full alertness within a few hours, but it’s essential to avoid driving or making important decisions immediately after your procedure.
3. Sore Throat
If you receive general anesthesia, you may experience a sore throat due to the placement of a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) during surgery. This side effect is typically temporary and resolves within a couple of hours to a few days (Na Yang et al., 2023). Drinking liquids and having some warm soup is helpful if symptoms persist once you're home. Also throat-numbing sprays like Chloraseptic can help.
4. Muscle Aches
Some patients report muscle aches or stiffness after anesthesia. This can be caused by some of the anesthesia medications as well as different positions that patients are moved into to facilitate surgery. This is generally mild and can be alleviated with gentle stretching and over-the-counter pain relief, if necessary.
5. Confusion or Memory Issues
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) can occur, especially in older adults. It may manifest as confusion or memory problems shortly after surgery. Research indicates that while this is more common in elderly patients, it usually resolves within a few days (Newman et al., 2007).
6. Allergic Reactions
Although rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to anesthetic agents. Symptoms can range from mild rashes to more severe reactions. It’s crucial to inform your anesthesia provider about any known allergies or previous reactions to medications.
Worried about anesthesia? Click the image below to read How to Overcome the Fear of Anesthesia: Tips for a Better Surgery Experience
Rare but Serious Side Effects
While the side effects mentioned above are generally mild, there are a few extremely rare, but serious complications that can occur, including:
- Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Always let your team know about any allergies or unexpected outcomes from previous medications or surgeries.
- Malignant Hyperthermia: A very rare inherited disorder triggered by certain anesthetic agents, causing a rapid increase in body temperature and severe muscle contractions. MH crisis is extremely rare (1 in every 50,000-100,000 anesthetics). If you have a family history of MH crisis, there are very safe alternatives to the method of anesthesia delivery for you. Always tell your surgeon and anesthesia provider if you have a family history of MH.
- Aspiration: If stomach contents enter the lungs during anesthesia, it can lead to serious complications. Following NPO (nothing by mouth) guidelines helps to greatly decrease this risk.
These severe side effects are extremely rare, and your anesthesia provider will take extensive precautions to minimize your risks, including thorough preoperative assessments. Again, always let your anesthesia provider know if you have a family member who has experienced malignant hyperthermia and always be truthful about your last oral intake (food or beverage). Your anesthesia provider is on your side and wants to keep you very safe.
Still tackling the BIG questions about your upcoming anesthesia? Click the image below to read the next article...
(Hint: It should be reassuring :)
Recap
Understanding the potential side effects of anesthesia can help alleviate your fears and empower you to communicate openly with your healthcare team. Remember, while mild side effects like nausea and drowsiness are common, serious complications are rare, and the benefits of anesthesia often far outweigh the risks. Further, If serious complications are encountered, your team is ready! We can handle just about anything, so rest assured, you're in great hands.
If you have any concerns or specific questions about your procedure, do not hesitate to reach out to your anesthesia provider. We are here to support you and provide the safest, most comfortable experience possible.
Want to learn more about anesthesia? Click the image below to read more articles!
References
- Apfel, C. C., et al. (2012). "Evidence-based analysis of risk factors for post-operative nausea and vomiting." British Journal of Anaesthesia. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0007091217316367
- Na Yang, et al. (2023). "Postoperative Sore Throat After General Anesthesia: A Narrative Review." Journal of Anesthesia and Translational Medicine.
- Berger, M., et al. (2015). "Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction: Minding the Gaps in our Knowledge of A Common Postoperative Complication in the Elderly." Journal of Clinical Anesthesia.
**Information provided is intended as general healthcare information for the public and should be used as a guide. This information should not be substituted for the specific personal advice recommended by your own healthcare team who are familiar with your specific health history.*
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