What is the Risk of Dying from Anesthesia?

Anesthesia-related mortality has decreased tenfold since the 1970s. This decline is due to advances in training, monitoring equipment, safer medications, and improved safety standards.

The risk of dying from anesthesia is now very low, estimated at about 1 in 100,000 to 200,000 cases. Risk is less than 1 in a million for healthy patients having routine procedures but increases in sicker patients having more complicated operations.

Factors Influencing Risk.

• Patient Health: Older patients and those with medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease, face a higher risk.
• Surgery Type: Certain surgeries, especially emergency or lengthy procedures, can increase the risk.
• Anesthesia Errors: Medication errors or inadequate monitoring can also increase risk.

Minimizing Risk Factors.

To further minimize risk, patients should address surgical risk factors before surgery. This includes:

• Stopping the use of alcohol; cigarettes, vapes, and other nicotine products; and recreational drugs.
• Losing excess weight.
• Eating a balanced diet.
• Exercising to strengthen the heart and lungs.
• Ensuring long-term medical conditions are well-controlled through a healthy lifestyle, taking prescribed medications on time, or other therapies.

Patients should also discuss their medical history and any new issues or concerns with their healthcare team.