Can you have anesthesia after drinking alcohol?
Nov 22, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
When anesthesia is required after alcohol consumption, only local anesthesia or brachial plexus anesthesia should be used; general anesthesia must be avoided. This is because general anesthesia or epidural anesthesia itself can affect respiration, and when blood alcohol levels are high, respiratory function in patients may be further compromised. Therefore, alcohol consumption should be avoided prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.
Generally, anesthesia should not be administered after drinking alcohol, as the patient's body will contain a significant amount of alcohol. Alcohol not only numbs human cells but may also interact with anesthetic agents.
If surgery requiring anesthesia must be performed after alcohol consumption, only local anesthesia or brachial plexus anesthesia should be used; general anesthesia is not recommended. General anesthesia or epidural anesthesia can already affect breathing to some extent, and when blood alcohol levels are high, respiratory function may be further compromised, leading to slowed breathing, respiratory arrest, or decreased blood oxygen saturation. Therefore, alcohol consumption is strongly discouraged before anesthesia. Drinking alcohol after anesthesia is also not advised, as it may cause metabolic disturbances and can harm the liver. In cases of traumatic injury, antibiotics should be administered locally after anesthesia to prevent infection. Alcohol should not be consumed when taking cephalosporin antibiotics, as this can negatively impact recovery. For these reasons, alcohol should be avoided after anesthesia as well.
To ensure optimal treatment outcomes, patients should actively follow their doctor's instructions and recommendations before and after receiving anesthesia.
