Steroid Injections And Surgery: Understanding The Risk For Anesthesiologist
Written by Karen Harris
In recent years, steroid injections have become increasingly popular for pain management, particularly for those with chronic conditions. These injections, also known as corticosteroids, are a type of medication that is injected directly into the affected area to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
While they can be effective for some patients, recent research suggests that
steroid injections may also pose risks for those who undergo surgery. This has led to a call for anesthesiologists to be more aware of patients who have received steroid injections prior to surgery.
Steroid Injections and Surgery
Steroid injections have been used for decades to treat a variety of conditions, from arthritis to back pain. However, recent studies have suggested that these injections may have negative effects on the body in the context of surgery.
Specifically, they have been linked to an increased risk of complications during and after surgery, including infection and poor wound healing. This is because steroids can suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infection and heal properly.
In addition to these risks, steroids can also affect the body's response to anesthesia. Patients who have received steroid injections may require higher doses of anesthesia during surgery, which can increase the risk of complications such as respiratory distress or cardiac arrest.
This is because steroids can affect the way that the body processes anesthesia, making it more difficult to achieve the desired level of sedation.
Anesthesiologists' Role in Monitoring Steroid Use
Given the potential risks associated with steroid injections and surgery, it is important for anesthesiologists to be aware of patients who have received these injections prior to surgery. This includes not only patients who have received injections for chronic pain but also those who have received them for other conditions such as allergies or asthma.
Anesthesiologists should be particularly vigilant in monitoring patients who have received multiple steroid injections, as these patients may be at a higher risk for complications.
They should also be aware of the timing of the injections, as those that are administered closer to the time of surgery may pose a greater risk than those that are administered further in advance.
In addition to monitoring patients who have received steroid injections, anesthesiologists should also be prepared to adjust their anesthesia plans accordingly. This may involve using alternative medications or adjusting the dose of anesthesia to compensate for the effects of the steroids.
In conclusion, anesthesiologists should be aware of these risks and take steps to monitor and adjust their anesthesia plans accordingly. Doing so helps ensure that patients receive the safest and most effective care possible.
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