Anesthesia Advances Decrease Chance of Complications to One in 300k

Advances in anesthesia have made the procedure exceptionally safe, decreasing the risk of critical complications from one in 5,000 25 years ago to one in 200,000-300,000 today, according to a Trib Local report.

According to anesthesiologist Glenn Murphy, MD, with NorthShore University Health System, dramatic improvements in anesthetic medications, technology and training have made it "remarkably safe." He said an anesthesiologist's care should begin with a thorough pre-operative evaluation to make sure the individual is safe for the scheduled surgery.

Dr. Murphy said sophisticated monitoring systems allow anesthesiologists to monitor heart rate and rhythm and brain function and to tailor the amount of anesthesia needed during a surgical procedure. He said patients also have the choice between local anesthesia, regional anesthesia and general anesthesia, depending on the type of surgery.

Related Articles on Anesthesia:
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Screening Processes Effective for Ambulatory Surgery, According to Duke University Study

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