Can cost death happen under anaesthetic

[lovelyanon]

Hi! My baby is being put to sleep tomorrow afternoon for her laryngomalacia and she's just under 11 months, one thing I'm worrying about is cot death in theatre! Or in recovery. Has this ever happened? My anxiety is going so mad 😭

I'm not an expert in any way, but I have had 10+ general anaesthetics myself. I would say, every anaesthetic has a risk. But while under and for a time after your little one will be closely monitored by a team of people who are experienced and deal with anaesthetics and children on a very regular basis. I hope it all goes well

I don’t know any stats for deaths under anaesthetic for routine operations, but ‘cot death’ as such wouldn’t happen, as your baby will be monitored at all times. I would expect the incidence of fatality for routine surgery on a baby must be very small indeed.

Of course, it’s natural to worry! It’s a stressful time. I hope it goes smoothly and recovers well. Best wishes to you both for the op.

As far as I'm aware cot death or SIDS is unexplained, so no a general anaesthetic wouldn't be a cause i wouldn't think.

Have you spoken to the doctor about your concerns? They will be able to put your mind at rest. It's usual to be anxious though, it's only natural

My ds had surgery under 1 and its terrifying.
Felt like I was signing his death warrant not a consent form.
Do some breathing techniques to keep calm.
Box breathing maybe?

Anybody (but especially a baby) will have extensive monitoring during a general anaesthetic. Their heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen levels & levels of exhaled carbon dioxide will be monitored. It is probably the least likely place for a cot death

Yes they will be monitored extremely carefully at all times. I saw something on TV the other day where a surgeon was saying any surgery has some risks involved but you must weigh those risks against not doing the surgery and all the problems that would come from that.

@Aprilshowersarecomingsoon I know exactly what you mean My now 22 year old son had surgery at 4 weeks old I didn't sign the consent form for that reason - I let his dad do it. @lovelyanon It was a horrible experience but as others have said all patients, especially babies, are so well monitored so try not to worry

Sorry I meant cot, silly autocorrect! I have an anxiety problem anyway so I question absolutely everything but I guess it's not a bad thing! I've just treated her to a new toy, dress and pyjamas as they've informed me we'll be staying in over night Wednesday - not sure why as she's not having surgery tomorrow!
Will keep u posted 😁😁

I think the cot death risk is more around 4-6 months isn’t it?

And I’m sure if she stopped breathing they’d do something about it.