RISKS FROM ANAESTHESIA

Anaesthesia is generally very safe. The risk of a healthy person dying during anaesthesia is very low. However, risks do exist. These risks can be classified into a number of categories:

Common Risks

Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Bruising at the site of injection
Pain on injection
Sore throat

Less common Risks

Mild allergic reaction such as itching and rash
Muscle aches

Uncommon Risks

Awareness during anaesthesia
Damage to teeth
Blood clot in the legs
Temporary nerve damage
Collapsed lungs
Lung infection

Risks that are rare but may result in death

Severe allergic reactions
Stroke/ brain injury
Heart attack
Permanent nerve damage
Paralysis

Factors which increase risk

Elderly
Smoking
Overweight
Diabetes
Heart disease
Kidney disease
General ill health