Intraoperative Awareness

Abstract

Awareness following general anesthesia is a rare event; however, it may have significant impact on patient satisfaction and long-term morbidity. Detecting intraoperative awareness during a general anesthetic is difficult due to the fact that the signs and symptoms are often absent in documented cases of awareness. Often, intraoperative awareness goes unnoticed until a patient reports the experience. Anesthesiologists should be cognizant of the risk factors associated with an increased risk of intraoperative awareness. Cesarean section performed under general anesthesia, cardiac surgery, and trauma surgery all carry an increased risk. Anesthesiologists should consider patient specific risk factors involving a higher than expected anesthetic requirement in developing their anesthetic plan. In the event of intraoperative awareness, the anesthesiologist’s actions and interactions with the patient are critical in improving the patient’s’ outcome and minimizing long-term psychological stress. Anesthesiologists should acknowledge the event and create a supportive relationship with the patient.