Anesthesia-related Complications in General Surgery: Strategies for Prevention and Management

Abstract

Background: Anesthesia-related complications in general surgery remain a significant concern despite advances in anesthetic techniques. These complications can lead to increased morbidity and mortality if not effectively managed. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, prevention, and management of anesthesia-related complications in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 60 patients who underwent general surgery at the Department of Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Intensive Care Medicine, BSMMU, Dhaka, from 2022 to 2023. Demographic data, anesthesia-related complications, preventive measures, and management strategies were recorded and analyzed. Results: Cardiovascular complications were the most common, with hypotension in 11.7% and arrhythmias in 6.7% of patients. Respiratory complications, including hypoxemia and bronchospasm, occurred in 13.3% and 5% of cases, respectively. Neurological complications, such as postoperative delirium, were observed in 10% of patients. Preventive strategies, including fluid preloading, bronchodilators, and antiemetic prophylaxis, were effective in reducing the incidence of complications. All cases of hypotension, hypoxemia, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and arrhythmias were successfully managed with standard interventions, achieving a 100% success rate. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that anesthesia-related complications can be effectively managed through vigilant perioperative care and established management protocols. Cardiovascular and respiratory complications were the most common, and prompt interventions such as fluid resuscitation, oxygen therapy, and pharmacological treatment ensured favorable outcomes. Future studies with larger sample sizes and multicenter settings are recommended to further validate these findings and optimize anesthesia practices in diverse healthcare environments.