General anesthesia is a commonly used form of complete sedation to put the patient asleep when performing surgery. While it has revolutionized modern medicine, it is essential to be aware of the potential dangers associated with anesthesia. Among the various risks, memory loss stands out as a significant concern, particularly due to its permanent nature.
“There is an alternative to general anesthesia, which is localized anesthesia,” shares Dr. Kenneth Kim, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and a partner of Dream Medical Group in Los Angeles. “Fortunately, awake surgery completely does away from anesthetic risk during surgical procedures and more importantly involves zero memory loss.”
The dangers of general anesthesia
General anesthesia, while considered safe, is not without its risks. The most serious harms associated with anesthesia include deep vein thrombosis, heart issues, difficulty breathing — especially in cases of deep intravenous sedation — and memory loss.
Another risk is deep vein thrombosis, “a blood clot that develops within a deep vein in the body, usually in the leg.” The blood can traverse to the lungs and cause serious complications and death. This happens during surgery with general anesthesia because the patient is immobile, therefore preventing their bodies from proper blood circulation.
Oversleeping is one of the main reasons for breathing difficulty during intravenous sedation anesthesia since it puts the brain into very deep sleep. “This deep sedation also contributes to memory loss, which is unnecessary,” adds Dr. Kim.
Memory loss: A lingering threat
As Dr. Kim explains, one of the most concerning consequences of general anesthesia is memory loss. While the temporary memory loss experienced immediately after the procedure is common and generally harmless, there is a more profound concern about potential long-term effects.
Studies have shown that general anesthesia can lead to the loss of neurons (brain cells) at the hippocampus — the memory-forming part of the brain, and these neurons do not regenerate. Consequently, even young and healthy individuals can experience permanent memory deficits as a result of undergoing multiple anesthesia surgeries.
Research is still inconclusive on the long-term impact of general anesthesia and dementia. However, there is some research that suggests that some types of general anesthesia in older patients can lead to an increased probability of dementia.
“If the potential of dementia or Alzheimer’s can be avoided, then that should be the goal,” notes Dr. Kim. “Surgical practices haven’t been updated in nearly a century. It’s time to reevaluate surgical safety, like the use of general anesthesia.”
Embracing awake surgery: A safer alternative
In light of the potential dangers associated with general anesthesia, medical professionals have been exploring safer alternatives for certain surgeries. One such solution is “awake surgery,” or local anesthesia, where the patient remains conscious during the procedure. Local anesthesia provides effective pain control without inducing a coma-like state or requiring twilight sedation.
Awake surgery offers several advantages over general anesthesia. “One of the most important ones being reduced risk of memory loss,” affirms Dr. Kim. Additionally, since the patient is not paralyzed, there is a lower chance of developing blood clots or other complications associated with immobilization during lengthy surgeries.
While general anesthesia is a vital tool in modern medicine, it is crucial to recognize the potential dangers it poses, particularly concerning memory loss. The permanent loss of neurons as a result of anesthesia could have significant implications for long-term cognitive health, especially as the population continues to age.
However, with the adoption of awake surgery and local anesthesia, patients can mitigate these risks and undergo certain procedures without the potential cognitive consequences of general anesthesia. As medical knowledge advances, it is essential for both healthcare providers and patients to remain informed about the potential risks and benefits of anesthesia to make well-informed decisions about their medical care.
