Share

Is anaesthesia safe?

accreditation
Modern anaesthesia has become a very safe procedure, considerably safer than travelling in your car.

It is, however, not entirely without some risk and one should not have an operation under anaesthetic unless it is really necessary.

The main reasons for the ever-improving safety record are:

  • the expertise of your anaesthetist
  • ,
  • the continually improving “cleaner” anaesthetics drugs
  • ,
  • and the huge technological strides made in electronic devices used to measure your body’s response – the monitors.

The risks associated with anaesthesia are

  • that in addition to affecting the nervous system
  • ,
  • anaesthetic drugs also affect other organ systems such as the heart.

Anaesthesia can be considerably safer than travelling in your car, according to the experts. But what if you have been in a motor vehicle accident and need emergency surgery? Are you anaesthesia-fit? Click here and find out.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE