Experts call for more to be done about waking up during surgery

Posted 10/09/2014

A recent study has shown that more than 150 people in the UK each year wake up during surgery despite having been given a general anaesthetic.  Statistics gathered suggests that this happens in one in every 19,000 operations, which may seem quite remote but is in fact a significant concern to surgeons. 

There was a higher incidence in woman who had been given a general anaesthetic for things like Caesarean sections. 

Unsurprisingly in 41% of the reported cases, there was psychological harm caused as a result.  Researchers believe that the cause could be related to an incorrect mix of medication leading to paralysis during surgery. 

Sharon Allison, a medical injury lawyer at Ashtons Legal, says: “These statistics are frightening and further research into the root causes can only be of benefit to patient safety. In my career, I have run a number of failed anaesthesia cases and the consequences can be devastating. Such an experience can take many years to come to terms with and even then, a complete recovery is not always possible. 

Specialist psychotherapy can be of significant assistance in these matters and I would urge anyone affected by similar circumstances to contact a specialist solicitor for advice about bringing a medical injury claim in order to fund such treatment.” 

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