Conditions: General Anesthesia Risks

Some possible complications come with general anesthesia and surgery in general, rather than with one specific procedure.

About general anesthesia risks

General anesthesia is a medicine-induced, sleep-like state that allows surgery to be performed without awareness or pain. Most people recover from anesthesia without problems. A small number of possible complications are related to anesthesia itself, to time spent lying still during and after an operation, or to the body’s general response to surgery, rather than to the particular procedure being performed.

General risks of anesthesia and surgery

• Atelectasis: part of the lung temporarily does not fill with air, which can happen after anesthesia.

• Venous thrombosis (DVT): a blood clot in a vein, most often in the legs or pelvis, which can travel to the lungs.

• Myocardial infarction (heart attack): damage to heart muscle from a lack of oxygen.

• Stroke: damage to brain tissue from a lack of oxygen.

• Urinary retention after surgery: difficulty emptying the bladder after an operation.

Risks that are specific to a particular operation are listed on each surgery packet page, under “Conditions related to” that procedure. The packets are listed on the surgery packet index.