Anesthesia Error Injuries

Anesthesia is commonly used to control pain in patients undergoing surgery and other medical procedures. Patients under general anesthesia are completely unaware of their surroundings, do not feel pain during the surgery, and usually don’t remember the surgery when they wake up. However anesthesia does not come without risk. Complications arising from its administration may result in permanent or life threatening injury to the patient. Approximately one in every 200,000 - 300,000 patients die each year due to anesthesia complications. Anesthesia complications may often be caused by defective or malfunctioning medical equipment, or mistakes made by the doctor or other staff member.

Types of Anesthesia Errors and Complications

·        Patient given the wrong anesthesia

·        Over-sedation (too much anesthesia)

·        Under-sedation (not enough anesthesia)

·        Anesthesia awareness (“awake during surgery”)

·        Allergic reaction/harmful drug interaction

·        Improper training of anesthesiologists

·        Failure to properly monitor the patient

·        Improper placement of IV lines

·        Leaving a patient unattended

·        Failure to read or misreading of patient medical chart

·        Improper positioning of patient prior to surgery resulting in nerve damage

·        Failure to respond to or recognize complications

·        Intoxication or impairment

·        Defective or malfunctioning medical devices/equipment

·        Failure to obtain informed consent from patient

Injuries Caused by Anesthesia Errors

·        Heart attack

·        Stroke

·        Brain damage

·        Nerve damage

·        Paralysis

·        Asphyxia (lack of oxygen)

·        Birth defects

·        Coma

·        Death

Anesthesia Awareness

Patients who experience “anesthesia awareness” or waking up in the middle of surgery, are often aware of their surroundings, and may feel intense pain, but are unable to open their eyes, move or scream out. Anesthesia awareness can occur when a patient is given too little anesthesia prior to or during surgery. Patients with certain health conditions or on particular medications may also be at high risk for waking up during surgery. According to a recent study, incidences of anesthesia awareness may be as high as 102 cases for every 1000 patients, or 30,000 incidences per year. This number may possibly be higher in children. Injuries associated with anesthesia awareness may include sleeping disorders, panic and anxiety attacks, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).