Which factors influence the effectiveness of anesthesia?
October 23, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Laura Hahn
Dear Doctor,
My name is Christiane Stamm and I will have a surgery soon that will require anesthesia. I am concerned about the effects of the anesthesia and wonder what factors can influence it.
Regarding my current situation: I am 45 years old, do not smoke, occasionally drink alcohol, and have no known pre-existing conditions. I weigh 70 kg and am 1.65 m tall. The surgery for which anesthesia is needed is a routine knee operation due to a sports injury.
I am aware that various factors can influence the effects of anesthesia. For example, I have heard that smoking can affect the effects of anesthetics. My weight and height may also play a role. Additionally, I wonder if my occasional alcohol consumption could have an impact on the anesthesia.
My main concerns are that the anesthesia either does not work effectively and I feel pain during the operation, or that I react poorly to the anesthesia and experience unwanted side effects.
Therefore, my question to you is: What factors influence the effects of anesthesia and how can they be taken into account to ensure a safe and effective anesthesia? Are there measures I can take before the operation to positively influence the effects of anesthesia?
Thank you in advance for your response and support.
Sincerely,
Christiane Stamm
Dear Ms. Stamm,
Thank you for your question and for trusting in my expertise as an anesthesiologist. It is understandable that you have concerns about the effects of anesthesia for your upcoming surgery. I would like to explain in detail the factors that can influence the effects of anesthesia and how you can best prepare for it.
First and foremost, it is important to mention that anesthesia is a very individual process and depends on various factors. The most important influencing factors include your health status, medication intake, lifestyle, and physical characteristics such as weight and height.
In terms of your health status, certain pre-existing conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or lung diseases can influence the effects of anesthesia. However, since you have indicated that you have no known pre-existing conditions, this is likely less relevant in your case.
Your weight and height also play a role in the dosage of anesthesia drugs. Generally, higher doses are often needed for overweight patients to achieve an appropriate depth of anesthesia. However, since you have a normal weight, you should not be concerned about this.
Regarding alcohol consumption, alcohol can enhance the effects of anesthesia. It is therefore advisable to refrain from alcohol before the operation to avoid unwanted interactions.
Smoking, on the other hand, can actually impair the effects of anesthetics, as nicotine can affect metabolic processes in the body. It is recommended to quit smoking before an operation to not impair the effects of anesthesia and reduce the risk of complications.
To ensure a safe and effective anesthesia, it is important to share all relevant information with your anesthesiologist before the operation. This includes information about your lifestyle, medication intake, and any allergies. Your anesthesiologist will then adjust the anesthesia accordingly to achieve optimal effects.
In summary, it is important to share all relevant information with your anesthesiologist before an operation to ensure a safe and effective anesthesia. Through good preparation and cooperation with the medical team, you can help ensure that the anesthesia goes smoothly and that you safely get through the operation.
I hope I have answered your questions thoroughly and am available for further information.
Sincerely,
Laura Hahn
