How long should I not drive after the surgery?
June 13, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Sebastian Köhler
Dear doctor,
My name is Franceska Schmid and I recently had surgery under general anesthesia. I am unsure how long I should refrain from driving after the operation and what risks are associated with it.
I have heard that the effects of anesthesia can last for some time after the surgery and that it can be dangerous to drive a car under the influence of anesthetics. I am concerned that I may not be able to concentrate enough and react quickly when I get back behind the wheel after the operation.
Therefore, I would like to know from you how long I should wait after the operation before driving again. Are there specific guidelines or recommendations I should follow? Are there any risk factors that need to be considered before I can drive again?
I want to ensure that I do not put myself or other road users in danger, so it would be very helpful if you could provide me with the appropriate information and advice. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Franceska Schmid
Dear Mrs. Schmid,
Thank you for your question regarding driving after surgery under general anesthesia. It is completely understandable that you are concerned and want to ensure that you and other road users are not put at risk. Indeed, it is important to consider some things after surgery with general anesthesia before actively participating in traffic again.
The effects of anesthesia can linger after the surgery and impair your abilities. Possible side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, muscle coordination disorders, slowed reaction times, and concentration problems. These can severely affect your driving ability and increase the risk of accidents.
There is no set time frame that applies to all patients before they are allowed to drive again after surgery. It depends on various factors such as the type of surgery, the duration of anesthesia, your overall health condition, and your individual reaction to anesthesia. Typically, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before driving yourself after surgery.
It is important that you allow yourself to recover after the surgery and let any side effects of anesthesia fade before getting behind the wheel again. Pay attention to how you feel and whether you feel fit enough to drive safely. If you have doubts or are still experiencing side effects, you should definitely wait a bit longer before driving again.
There are also certain risk factors that need to be considered before driving again. These include comorbidities that occurred during surgery, medications you need to take, and any complications that occurred during the operation. It is important to consult with your treating physician and, if necessary, seek their recommendations.
Finally, I want to emphasize that your safety and the safety of other road users should be top priority. Take enough time to recover and be mindful of any side effects of anesthesia before driving again. If you are unsure, do not hesitate to seek advice from your doctor.
I hope that I could help you with this information. If you have any further questions, I am happy to assist.
Best regards,
Sebastian Köhler, Specialist in Anesthesiology
