Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 1/7/2008

Question
Hello im robert from england. I am having squint surgery on the 11th of january. I am very worried about dying when i am under, because it has been brought to my attention that anesthesia is not 100% safe. i have had anesthesia three times in the norties, once in the ninetys, and four times as a child in the eightys...have i more than likely had the drugs before, that i will have next time.......I am 27 years old, 6ft, 31st 7lbs...i dont smoke and i i dont take drugs. How ever on the 19th of december i got drunk and took coke + ecstacy+ and smoked on the same night.....please dont judge me! it will be 23 days from the time i did that to me having my operation....+ i havent had a drink since new years eve

Answer
Assuming you don't take any more illicit drugs prior to your surgery, you should have no problem with the anesthetic. The risk of dying from anesthesia is very small, particularly if you are otherwise healthy.

Don't worry,

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston