Complications of anaesthesia that might be encountered by GPs

Abstract

Both general anaesthesia and regional anaesthesia are associated with adverse side effects. Growing financial pressures on the NHS have led to an increase in day surgery procedures and the advent of enhanced recovery after surgery. This has meant that many patients are now discharged soon after their operation, leading to an increase in the presentation of anaesthesia side effects in the community. This article discusses the presentation and management of the common complications of anaesthesia that GPs may encounter.