CONSEQUENCES OF THE ANESTHETIC EXPOSURE TO THE PATIENTS AND TO THE SURGICAL CREW

Abstract

The veterinary anesthesiology strenghtens each day more, due not only to the owners’ greater concern but also to the increase in life expectancy of dogs and cats. Therefore, veterinarians and animals are constantly exposed to the anesthetics, which are considered exogenous genotoxic agents and have the capacity to change the deoxyribonucleic acid’s (DNA) structure and modify its functions. This review’s objective is to approach the way through which the inhalation and intravenous anesthetics are capable of interfering in the genetic material, and to discuss the possible consequences of these actions to the animals and to the professionals involved. According to the presented facts, it is possible to conclude that the exposition to anesthetics causes genetic damage not only to the surgical crew, but in all involved, wherein the intravenous anesthetic propofol is seemingly safer for the patients. This subject is extensively studied in human medicine, however, its discussion is not unexceptional in veterinary medicine and it must be encouraged, once many of these professionals are part of a risk group.