Are general anaesthetics really safe?

Question

I often wonder why so many people submit themselves totally to having a general anaesthetic without question. Surely it is one of the most dangerous procedures for the human body to undergo, isn't it

Answer 1

exactly- its very dangerous i think so thats why when i had a hysterectomy 14 weeks ago i begged the surgeon and the anaethetist to keep me awake. they werent happy but they agreed. i think thats why i recovered so quickly. they gave me an epidural..i felt a bit of tugging but its nice to beawake u wont feel pain.
i got scared that i wouldnt wake up again so thats why i said i wanted to stay awake.

Answer 2

No medical procedure is 100% safe... I had general anaesthetic a few times in my life, but once, they couldn't wake me for twelve hours... and it's kind of creepy to find a worried surgeon, sister, staff nurse and two nurses round your bed when you wake up.. and have other patients tell you how relieved they are and how long you've been under and how scared the nurses were!

I too wonder why people volunteer so easily for surgery that aint necessary (like cosmetic surgery) and go under through vanity so willingly, without the slightest thought that they may not wake again!

Answer 3

There is a risk in any procedure under anaesthetic, modern anaesthetic given by trained gas passers is as safe as possible

Answer 4

All Anaesthetics are unsafe as the drug is so powerful and leful.A local Anaesethetic is much safer then a general as you are a wake it just numbs the area,a general you are complatly put asleep and does certain things to the brain,also alot off people are actually allergic to this drug but they dont know this,and it does cause death while you are on the operating table asleep.

Answer 5

Yes, it is a dangerous procedure. Is extremely important to get a well-qualified anesthesiologist. The flip side is how hideous it would be to undergo really invasive surgery without anesthetic.

Answer 6

With the general anesthesia your vital signs (blood pressures, heart rate etc) will be constantly viewed on a monitor by multiple doctors and nurses. If any changes are noted you will be given the appropriate medication to fix it. As long as you don't have multiple health problems (horrible lungs or a heart problem) its not a big deal.

Answer 7

It has it's risks but then again anything that plays with the bodies system is. But after many years of trial and error on animals and people they have gotten the risk down to a minimum.

Answer 8

Its safer that having the life saving operation without a general isnt it.

Doh!

Answer 9

okay, would you rather have your bowels or heart cut open while you're awake?

surgery used to kill upwards of 70-80% of the people who underwent it, now the number of deaths due to the actual surgery are minute.

but sure, if you need to get cut open and you don't want surgery just bring a shot of whiskey and a bullet to bite on

Answer 10

I actually look forward to them! crazy but true! it's that feeling you get just as you're about to go under and a lot of people i've said this to agree, strangely enough!