Could I have been given an anesthesia dose too high for me to tolerate?

Question

I recently went in to have my mommy makeover but upon starting the anesthesia my airway closed and my heart immediately stopped. I was rushed to the ER and they did CPR on me for 15min to get me back. After extensive testing, the doctors concluded that the anesthesiologist just gave me a dose that was too high for me to tolerate. When I spoke to him about it he said that’s not a thing and impossible. My question is, is it possible? I am searching for answers for any future surgeries I might need.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Anesthesia doses are carefully calculated based on various factors including your weight, age, overall health, medical history, and the type of surgery being performed. Anesthesiologists and surgeons follow established protocols and guidelines to administer safe and appropriate doses of anesthesia.

However, individual responses to anesthesia can vary, and some factors might affect how someone reacts to it. These include:

Individual Sensitivity: People can have varying sensitivities or reactions to anesthesia. Factors like genetics, metabolism, and underlying health conditions can influence how the body responds to anesthesia.

Medication Interactions: Certain medications, supplements, or substances you've taken before surgery can interact with anesthesia, affecting how your body processes it.

Health Conditions: Pre-existing health conditions, such as heart or lung problems, can impact how your body handles anesthesia.

Anesthesia Errors: While rare, errors in administering anesthesia can occur, such as incorrect dosages or reactions to specific anesthesia drugs.

If you have concerns about your reaction to anesthesia or suspect that the dose might have been too high for you to tolerate, it's important to discuss this with your healthcare provider or anesthesiologist. They can review your medical records, discuss the specifics of your case, and address any concerns you might have regarding the anesthesia administered during your surgery.

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

This is very difficult to answer without knowing all the details surrounding this. I am unfamiliar with a high dose of anesthesia causing these issues. It will be important if you have surgery in the future to discuss with your anesthesiologist.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm so sorry to hear what you've been through and am glad you are doing okay now.  More information is needed to determine what happened in your case.  I would recommend speaking with the physicians who ordered the testing and gave you the conclusion that the anesthesia dose was too high.  They would have more details about the situation and would be better able to give you answers.

Andrew M. Ress, MD · Answer

An open discussion with your surgeon and anesthesiologist will be important to understand what transpired in the operating room. A copy of the anesthesia record will help. One possible scenario is you suffered laryngospasm and couldn't move air. It would be unusual to give too much medication on induction of anesthesia. Would plan your next procedure in the hospital setting so there is plenty of back up available if the problem arises again.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

This is not a thing as described. A failure to maintain an airway can lead to hypoxia but a heart won't just stop. Some medications can stop a heart but they are not used in routine anesthesia for a mommy makeover. An idiosyncratic reaction is possible for some as a heart suppressant.

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Could I have been given an anesthesia dose too high for me to tolerate?

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Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.