About Anesthesia

Whenever a patient needs a surgical procedure, he or she will likely undergo some sort of anesthetizing procedure. Anesthetics temporarily block pain in certain areas of the body. The administration of these drugs has become a necessary and integral area of modern medicine and because of the risks associated with such a critical practice, anesthesiologists must take very special care when handling and treating patients.

How Anesthesia Works

Depending on the situation and surgery needed, a patient may receive local anesthetic, which only numbs the area of operation, or the patient may undergo general anesthesia, under which he or she has all sensations blocked and remains unconscious during the medical procedure.

Under local anesthesia, the patient should not have any sensation in the area under operation, but should otherwise remain awake and alert (unless he or she is given a sedative). Under general anesthesia, the patient should have no memory of the procedure and should not be able to feel anything while under the influence of the anesthetic.

Side Effects of Anesthesia

Before a patient receives anesthesia for a medical procedure, he or she will go through a preoperative evaluation. During this assessment, the physician will determine what medications should be suitable for the specific patient and which procedures should be avoided because they pose unnecessary risks. All patients will, however, be subject to the following potential side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Drop in body temperature
• Sore throat from intubation

More serious complications may result if the patient is not properly assessed prior to the procedure or if the doctor makes a technical error.

Contact Us

If you have been the victim of an anesthesia-related medical error, or for more information on anesthesia, contact the Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 610-667-7511 to speak with one of our qualified attorneys.