If the practice of general anesthesia has become very safe, it is not devoid of side effects, such as fatigue. How long does it last? What are the signs of fatigue after general anesthesia?
In France, about 10 million general anesthesias are performed every year. Fatigue after general anesthesia is a common phenomenon, but difficult to measure. Why general anesthesia cause of tiredness? How does fatigue manifest after general anesthesia? How long does it last?
Fatigue is one of the main symptoms seen after general anesthesia. It can be accompanied sleep disturbances and drowsiness during the day, and limit the resumption of professional or other activities, or even lead to accidents if there is no accompanying person at the exit. “It can also lead to memory loss in cases of major intervention in the elderly. Certain types of intervention, for example cardiac surgery, are quite a source of postoperative memory problems“, says the specialist.
How long does fatigue last after general anesthesia?
There fatigue after general anesthesia is a frequent phenomenon, but difficult to measure. “Depending on different parameters, it can be felt for one day, up to a maximum of 3 months in about 1% of people“, explains Aurélien Jacquemod, anesthesiologist in Paris. “In general, this state of fatigue lasts only a few days. Those who feel it for several months are only the elderly. This is why, in general, general anesthesia is avoided in people over 60. When possible, we try to do local anesthesia.“Anesthesia often causes fatigue or dizziness, which is also why there are specific discharge criteria from hospitals, and why a companion is needed.
Why does general anesthesia cause fatigue?
It’s the same as for people who take sleeping pills for a long time.
Fatigue may be more or less present after general anesthesia, depending on the molecules used, the state of health and fragility the person who underwent the anesthesia, but also the type of intervention performed and the duration of the anesthesia. “The main criterion is age of the patient, explains Aurélien Jacquemod. After 60 years, About 20% of patients experience this fatigue“. The second criterion that will influence this fatigue is the heaviness of the intervention: “The longer the procedure, the more fatigue will be felt.. In addition, the type of operation will define the need or not to induce deep sleep, which will necessarily influence fatigue on exit.“, he adds.
Rest is of course recommended after general anesthesia, but no medication can reduce fatigue. Of the vitamins may be recommended. Aurélien Jacquemod reminds us that the best way to avoid this is to perform light anesthesia when possible:It is performed by combining general anesthesia with anesthesia of the operated area. Thus, the brain receives less painful information, and one needs to make a less deep anesthesia“. The second method is de measure the depth of sleep : “There is a method called the bispectral index (BIS). This makes it possible to measure the depth of sleep, thus avoiding “overdosing” the anesthesia and having many side effects“. To note that these techniques should be discussed with your anesthesiologistwhich are to be favored or avoided depending on the case.
What are the side effects of propofol?
A study conducted by the CNRS and Inserm showed that Propofol anesthesia (used in current practice) disrupted the brain’s internal clock and induced a jet lag-like effect. Doctor Aurelien Jacquemod explains this: “Propofol has rather disinhibiting properties at low doses. But it is the anesthetic agent that is used in 100% of cases outside of emergency situations. In general, all anesthetic agents disturb the internal clock, sincethey force artificial sleep by a chemical mechanism“. The anesthetist also points out that “it’s the same for people who take sleeping pills for a long time: then the brain needs time to find its normal sleep pattern“.
Thanks to Aurélien Jacquemod, anesthesiologist in Paris.