The specific risks of anesthesia vary with the kind of anesthesia, type of surgery (elective or emergent), and patient specific factors, including age and pre-existing medical conditions. Complications are more closely related to the surgical procedure and a patient’s general health.

Potential risks or side effects of sedation, although possible are fewer than with general anesthesia. These include remembering bits and pieces, headache, nausea, and drowsiness. These side effects are rare and if they do occur usually go away quickly. Risk increases with general anesthesia and may include nausea and vomiting, sore throat/damage to teeth/lips/gums/tongue with a breathing tube, nerve injury secondary to body positioning, awareness under anesthesia, and anaphylaxis or allergic reaction.