Is it possible to die from general anesthesia?

Surgery & Anesthesia: Yes, but though this is rare, the more complicated your surgery the more both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist will review your situation in depth. They may ask for input form your family physician. And, even with all the precautions they can muster there are still some very sad outcomes.

Absolutely: General anesthesia should only be done when necessary by a highly qualified doctor (ie. Anesthesiologist, oral surgeon) under closely monitored conditions.

Rarely.: There is a difference between dying during general anesthesia and dying from general anesthesia. One can die from surgical complications or anesthetic complications, or from one's co-existing disease during a surgical procedure. Mortality from general anesthesia per se has been declining for years, and is currently estimated to be about 1 in 200, 000. So yes, it can happen, but it is rare.

Very Unlikely: Despite sensational movies or book, anesthesia is incredibly safe today. The risk is thought to be about one in 350, 000. I tell patients that it is more dangerous to drive to the hospital for the surgery than to have the anesthesia.

Unlikely: The risks of modern anesthesia are very very low.