Safety
The use of Anaesthesia is safer than it has ever been and regarded as one of the safest medical interventions. However, major complications can still occur, including the risk of dying. Statistically, the chance of mortality during an operation depends on the patient’s age and health.
Complications are more prevalent in the very young and elderly and increase with obesity and smoking. However, for a fit patient under 60 years of age, the chances of dying due to an anaesthetic complication is approximately 1 in 1,000,000. Mortality statistics for those undergoing anaesthesia over the age of 60 can be higher depending on co-existing conditions.
