Fears Around General Anesthesia Addressed by Spanish Surgeon: “Safest Place is the Operating Room”
Madrid, Spain - Concerns surrounding general anesthesia are common among patients in Spain facing surgery, but a leading plastic surgeon is working to dispel anxieties, emphasizing advancements that have made the procedure remarkably safe. Dr.María Jesús Martínez, a plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, addressed the issue in a recent TikTok video, stating it’s “normal to have respect, as during a general anesthesia the patient does not control anything.”
However, Dr. Martínez stresses that fear shouldn’t prevent patients from receiving necessary medical care.”We should not have it,” she asserts, highlighting the significant progress in anesthetic techniques and monitoring. “Over the last years, many advances and studies have been made to be as sure as possible.”
General anesthesia, as defined by MedlinePlus, induces a state similar to deep sleep, ensuring patients feel no pain and remain unaware during surgical procedures. It’s typically administered through intravenous medication or inhaled gases,sometimes requiring a breathing tube to protect the lungs.
While generally safe for healthy individuals, MedlinePlus notes increased risk factors for those who smoke, consume excessive alcohol, take sedatives or drugs, or have pre-existing lung, cardiac, or renal conditions, as well as allergies. Patients are advised to discuss potential complications – including heart attacks, vocal cord damage, allergic reactions, and, in extremely rare cases, death – with their doctors.
Dr. Martínez reinforces the safety message, stating, “with the new generation of anesthetic drugs, with the anesthetist who is controlling at all times the vital cardiac functions, pulmonary… It is one of the safest anesthesia.” She emphasizes that should any complication arise, “The safest site is the operating room.”
Acknowledging that “zero risk never exists,” Dr. Martínez underscores the critical importance of thorough pre-anesthesia and preoperative consultations to ensure patients are optimally prepared and monitored throughout the process,utilizing advanced surgical and anesthetic equipment.
