What are the risks of anaesthesia?

Australia is the safest place in the world to have an anaesthetic.
However complications still occur and you should ask your anaesthetist on the day of surgery if you have specific concerns.
None of the drugs we administer to the body are perfect and all have side effects.

The following may occur:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • A black or red eye if you are having an eye block
  • Swelling of the face and eyelids if you are face down
  • Hallucinations
  • Sore throat
  • Pain on injection when going to sleep
  • Infection or injury at the site of injection
  • Temporary nerve damage - numbness, pain or loss of movement in a limb
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Damage to teeth, lips or tongue, skin or eyes
  • Breathing difficulty

Rare but very serious reactions include:

  • Awareness during surgery
  • Heart attack, stroke, blindness or brain damage
  • Kidney or liver failure
  • Permanent nerve damage or paralysis
  • Allergic reaction to one of the drugs
  • Permanent nerve damage or paralysis
  • Damage to the voice box that may result in permanent voice changes
  • Infection from blood transfusion

Anaesthesia may affect your judgment for 24 hours so do not drive or sign any legal documents during this time.