Anaesthetic Risk
Modern anaesthetics are very safe if you are in good health. However, all procedures have some risks, so the following two documents set out a way to evaluate these risks against the risks we take everyday without thinking too much about them.
Risk at a glance
Here are some of the common events and risks that healthy adult patients of normal weight face when having a general anaesthetic for routine surgery. Source: The Royal College of Anaesthetists
Risk Explained:
This booklet looks at risk in the context of everyday life and helps you assess your personal risk when undergoing an anaesthetic.
Risk and side effects:
Please find below some useful booklets which explain possible risks and side effects, also sourced from www.rcoa.ac.uk. These provide detail of specific risks associated with your anaesthetic, including side effects or complications that could occur.
Risk and side effects
Extra information:
Click the links to download a PDF
PDF Feeling Sick
PDF Sore Throat
PDF Shivering
PDF Damage to teeth, lips and tongue
PDF Post operative chest infection
PDF Confusion
PDF Awareness
PDF Anaphylaxis
PDF Headache after spinal or epidural injection
PDF Nerve damage associated with an operation under general anaesthetic
PDF Nerve damage associated with a spinal and epidural injection
PDF Nerve damage associated with peripheral nerve block
PDF Equipment Failure
PDF Death or brain damage
PDF Lymphoedema and anaesthesia
Additional Information
Please find some further useful information on caring for someone who has had a general anaesthetic or sedation