Understanding the dangers of an anesthesia error

Posted On June 23, 2016 Medical Malpractice

Arizona residents who are going to have a procedure requiring anesthesia will undoubtedly have concerns about it. There is always a chance that an error could occur and cause a worsened medical condition, long-term damage and even death. Understanding how to avoid the dangers of anesthesia can be beneficial.

There are risks with being placed under anesthesia and ways to mitigate them. Patients should make sure to talk to their doctor about possible alternatives in lieu of general anesthesia. There are times when general anesthesia is unavoidable, but there could be options like a spinal or local anesthetic. Meeting the team responsible for administering the anesthesia is another way to consider options and weigh the dangers. Contributing factors to risk might be health conditions and age.

Family history can play a role and provide clues about potential dangers. It is a rare occurrence, but some patients have been known to have genetic factors that influence how they respond to receiving anesthesia. An example is a rise in blood pressure. Discussing this with the family can give valuable information. If it is discovered that a family member did have a negative reaction to anesthesia, the doctor should be told immediately. Assuming that the medical staff will automatically know about it is a mistake.

The doctor will give specific instructions about eating prior to the surgical procedure. This often includes that the patient should not eat or take medications after a certain time. Failure to follow instructions can lead to significant harm. In spite of taking the proper precautions, there is still a chance that something can go awry when a patient is placed under anesthesia. If the harm is due to hospital negligence, an attorney who has medical malpractice experience could assist the patient or surviving family members in seeking compensation for the losses that were sustained.