Risks
The risks of a TIVA are largely the same as the risks associated with other general anesthesia procedures such as balanced anesthesia. With every anesthesia, there is a drop in blood pressure and pulse, as well as a reduced respiratory drive. If blood pressure is too low, circulatory problems can occur.
For this reason, the patient is closely monitored during the anaesthesia in order to counteract these side effects of the medication at an early stage. Breathing is supported or completely taken over by a machine and blood pressure can be increased with medication. If the blood pressure is still lower after the anaesthesia, dizziness and problems getting up after the anaesthesia may occur.
However, with a little rest and waiting, this usually subsides quickly. In addition, an anesthetic can always lead to allergic reactions to the drugs and materials used. In order to be able to administer the medication into the vein, it must be punctured.
Small bleedings and haematomas (bruises) can occur at the puncture site. Another complication of anesthesia is the aspiration of stomach contents, i.e. the stomach contents get into the lungs. This is counteracted by fasting before the operation.
This means that you must not eat anything up to 6 hours before the operation and not drink anything up to 2 hours before the operation. Aspiration can be prevented by breathing through a breathing tube, as the airways and oesophagus are clearly separated. The risk of aspiration is increased with alternative ventilation methods.
However, intubation, i.e. insertion of the breathing tube, can cause damage and injury to teeth and mouth, especially if the conditions for intubation are difficult. The ventilation tube can also cause hoarseness after the operation. This usually disappears by itself after a short time.
Any anesthesia can cause nausea and vomiting after waking up from the anesthesia, mild confusion and headaches. However, this risk is lower with TIVA than with other anaesthetic procedures. Overall, anesthesia is very safe these days. Serious complications are rare and usually only temporary minor side effects occur. More about this:
- Risks and side effects of anesthesia
- General anesthesia for colds
