Anesthesia-Related Medical Accidents in Korean Cosmetic Surgery

Overview

According to analysis by the Korean Society of Anesthesiologists and media reports, anesthesia-related medical accidents in cosmetic surgery represent a significant patient safety concern.

Key Statistics (5-Year Analysis)

  • Total anesthesia-related medical disputes reported: 105 cases
  • Deaths: 82 cases (78% fatality rate)
  • Annual average: Approximately 16 deaths per year related to anesthesia in cosmetic procedures

Sedation Anesthesia (수면마취) Specific Data:

  • Total sedation-related accidents: 39 cases
  • Deaths: 30 cases (77% fatality rate)
  • Severe disability (brain damage, etc.): 6 cases
  • Key finding: 9 out of 10 sedation accidents occurred when the procedure was performed by a non-anesthesiologist

Primary Causes Identified

  • "Factory-style" surgery: Multiple patients operated on simultaneously, preventing proper monitoring
  • Non-specialist performing anesthesia: Surgeons performing both anesthesia and surgery cannot adequately monitor patient vital signs
  • Inadequate monitoring equipment: Some clinics fail to maintain or properly use oxygen saturation monitors
  • Delayed emergency response: Critical time lost before calling 119 or transferring patients
  • Extended surgery times: Procedures lasting 8-11+ hours increase risk significantly

Safety Recommendations for Patients

  • Verify anesthesiologist presence: Ask if a board-certified anesthesiologist (마취통증의학과 전문의) will be present throughout your procedure
  • Avoid same-day multiple procedures: Combining multiple surgeries increases anesthesia time and risk
  • Check emergency protocols: Ask about the clinic's emergency transfer arrangements with nearby hospitals
  • Request information about monitoring: Ensure continuous vital sign monitoring during and after surgery
  • Consider clinic accreditation: Look for clinics with proper certifications and safety systems

Legal Changes Following Accidents

  • Kwon Dae-hee Law (권대희법): Operating room CCTV installation mandatory for procedures under general or sedation anesthesia since 2021
  • Patient/guardian can request: Recording of surgery footage
  • Retention period: Footage must be kept for minimum 30 days

Important Disclaimer

These statistics are based on reported medical disputes and media analysis. Actual numbers may be higher as not all incidents are reported. This information is provided for educational purposes.

Sources

  • JTBC 뉴스 - "마취 관련 사망 1년에 16명꼴"
  • 대한마취통증의학회 (Korean Society of Anesthesiologists)
  • 청년의사 (docdocdoc.co.kr)