Modern anaesthesia is very safe, however there are always risks of complications and side effects

If you have questions about anaesthetic complications, Dr Ironfield will discuss your concerns with you and answer any questions you may have.

This can occur at the pre-anaesthesia consultation, however if you would like to discuss these in advance please contact us.

Common complications include

  • Discomfort and bruising at injection sites

  • Sore throat or hoarse voice

  • Nausea and vomiting

Rare complications include

  • Local infection at injection sites

  • Temporary nerve damage

  • Dental damage - particularly to teeth with veneers, caps, crowns, bridges or already loose teeth

  • Eye irritation

  • Headache

  • Backache

Extremely rare complications include

  • Pneumonia due to regurgitation of stomach contents

  • Severe drug reactions, such as anaphylaxis

  • Permanent nerve injury, potentially including paralysis

  • Heart attack

  • Stroke

  • Brain damage

  • Unintentional recall of events during general anaesthesia

  • Death