Dr. Rajan Jakhlekar - Anaesthetiist
M.D.(Anaesthetiist)
Question: How long do anaesthetics stay in the body? How long do I have to wait before I can drive after a general anaesthetic?
A: Modern anaesthetic drugs are designed to be cleared from the body rapidly. The exact length of time depends on the nature and combination of the drugs used before, during and after the operation, and the nature and duration of the procedure itself. All patients differ slightly in their response to drugs and recovery after the operation will vary from patient to patient.
In general terms, although traces of the anaesthetic can be detected in the blood a few days later, most modern drugs have no noticeable effect after a few hours. Current advice is that it is not usually safe to drive or operate machinery until at least 24 hours after a general anaesthetic, and this should be extended to 4 days if isoflurane has been used.
Small quantities of anaesthetic drugs may be present in breast milk in breastfeeding mothers. In general, this does not cause a problem, but mothers should discuss the issue with their anaesthetists, who can then choose appropriate drugs and advise on the potential side-effects on the infant. It is usually possible to time surgery so as to minimise the effect, or to express breast milk for use in the immediate post-operative period.
Availability: Full Time
OPD TIMING: By Appointment
Phone No: 91-20-24270881/82
