Article

Joan Rivers' Death Highlights Risks of Surgical Complications

Perioperative cardiac arrest due to anesthetics does not occur frequently, but still represents a serious surgical risk.

Although perioperative cardiac arrest due to anesthetics occurs just 10.8% of time, according to the Mayo Clinic, it represents the most serious complication and can have devastating results, as witnessed by the recent death of comedian Joan Rivers, HCPLive.com reports.

The 81-year-old’s heart stopped while under anesthesia during a throat surgery at a Manhattan clinic on Aug. 28, according to the New York Times. Following the complication, Rivers was hospitalized and put on life support. Although her daughter earlier said there was a chance her mother could be taken off life support by the weekend, Rivers passed away on Thursday, Sept. 4.

To read the full story from HCPLive.com, click here.

Newsletter

Stay informed on drug updates, treatment guidelines, and pharmacy practice trends—subscribe to Pharmacy Times for weekly clinical insights.

Related Videos
Image credit: Sebastian Kaulitzki | stock.adobe.com
Health and nutrition: the role of glp-1 in diabetes management with apple and syringe - Image credit: Thanayut | stock.adobe.com
Image credit: K KStock | stock.adobe.com
Image credit: komokvm | stock.adobe.com
Vial of Pneumococcal vaccine - Image credit: Bernard Chantal | stock.adobe.com
Vaccine vials used for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) with a syringe - Image credit:  Peter Hansen | stock.adobe.com