What is the risk of a major anesthetic complication?
The introduction of new anesthetic medicines and new monitoring devices has reduced the risk of major anesthetic-related complications. However, medical conditions such as severe heart or lung problems, kidney disease, high blood pressure, stroke, carotid artery occlusion and obstructive sleep apnea can increase the risk of anesthetic-related complications. Anyone with any of those conditions should visit with their anesthesiologist before their surgery. Patients also may increase the safety of the anesthetic by losing weight, stopping smoking and abstaining from alcohol.