Is General Anaesthesia Safe for Babies? What the GAS Study Tells Us

For many parents, the thought of their baby needing an operation — and having an anaesthetic — can feel overwhelming. A common worry is whether anaesthesia might affect a child’s brain development in the long term.

The GAS Study (General Anaesthesia compared to Spinal Anaesthesia) is the largest and most reliable research project to answer this question. It gives parents and doctors much-needed reassurance.

What Was the GAS Study?

The GAS Study was a large international trial involving 722 infants who needed surgery for inguinal hernia repair (a common childhood operation).

Babies were randomly assigned to have either:

  • General anaesthesia (a short anaesthetic using a gas called sevoflurane), or
  • Spinal anaesthesia (an injection in the lower back to numb the body while the baby stayed awake).

The study took place across 28 hospitals worldwide, making its results very robust and widely trusted.

What Did the Study Find?

The researchers followed the children closely as they grew:

  • At 2 years of age – There were no differences in developmental outcomes between the two groups.
  • At 5 years of age – When the children were tested with standard IQ assessments, results showed that a single, short general anaesthetic had no negative impact on long-term brain development.

Why Is This Important for Parents?

The GAS Study provides strong evidence that:

  • A single, brief exposure to general anaesthesia in infancy is safe with respect to brain development.
  • Parents and doctors can feel reassured when surgery is necessary, knowing that the anaesthetic itself is unlikely to cause long-term harm.

The focus can remain on ensuring your child gets the best care and recovery from their procedure.

Key Takeaway

If your baby or young child needs an operation, research like the GAS Study is reassuring. It shows that short, carefully managed anaesthesia does not affect long-term learning or development.

Your anaesthetist will always discuss the safest options for your child and answer any questions you may have.

References
Davidson AJ, Disma N, de Graaff JC, et al. Lancet. 2015;385:239–250.
Davidson AJ, Disma N, de Graaff JC, et al. Lancet. 2016;387:239–250.
ANZCA Clinical Trials Network. GAS Trial.

 

Armadale Anaesthesia
Recent Articles

Accidental Awareness During General Anaesthesia — How Rare Is It?

The idea of “waking up” during surgery is something many patients worry about. This phenomenon, called Accidental Awareness During General Anaesthesia (AAGA), is when a patient becomes conscious while under anaesthetic. Thankfully, the most comprehensive research shows that this is extremely rare.
Accidental awareness during general anaesthesia is very uncommon. Modern monitoring and strict safety protocols make it an even rarer event. If you are worried, your anaesthetist will be happy to discuss the steps taken to keep you safe and comfortable...
Read More

Labour Epidurals — What the Evidence Says About Safety and Outcomes

For many women, an epidural offers the most effective pain relief during labour. But questions often arise: Does it increase the chance of a caesarean? Is it safe for the baby? Research over the last two decades provides clear, reassuring answers.
Epidurals are a safe and effective option for pain relief in labour. They do not increase the chance of a caesarean birth and may even improve maternal safety. Your anaesthetist and midwife will discuss your options and support you in...
Read More

What to Know About Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro Before Surgery

Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro (semaglutide and tirzepatide) are becoming increasingly common for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss.
If you are taking one of these medications and need surgery, it’s important to know how they may affect your anaesthetic care.
Read More

Spinal Anaesthesia vs General Anaesthesia in Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery is one of the most common operations worldwide, helping people regain mobility and improve quality of life. One important decision during surgery is whether to have spinal anaesthesia or general anaesthesia.
A major study from the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) gives us new insights into this choice, showing that spinal anaesthesia often leads to better outcomes.
Read More

Is General Anaesthesia Safe for Babies? What the GAS Study Tells Us

For many parents, the thought of their baby needing an operation — and having an anaesthetic — can feel overwhelming. A common worry is whether anaesthesia might affect a child’s brain development in the long term.
The GAS Study (General Anaesthesia compared to Spinal Anaesthesia) is the largest and most reliable research project to answer this question. It gives parents and doctors much-needed reassurance.
Read More

Blood-Thinning Medications and Surgery: What You Need to Know

Based on your medical history, your risk factors, and the type of medications you’re taking, your anaesthetist may advise you to adjust your medicines before surgery. Some medications can affect the way your blood clots, and this needs to be carefully managed to keep you safe during your procedure.
Read More

Debunking Common Myths About Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia is one of the most important parts of your surgical journey — but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many patients arrive with concerns or misconceptions about what anaesthetists do, or what to expect during their procedure.
Dr Sarah and Dr Rabb have answered some of the most common myths they hear from patients, to help you feel reassured and informed.
Read More

Why Your Medications Matter Before Surgery

Hi, my name is Jules. I’ve been a pharmacist for over 10 years, working in both hospital settings and anaesthesia pre-assessment clinics. One of the most important things I’ve learnt in this time is that what you do with your regular medications before surgery can make a big difference to your safety and recovery.
Your anaesthetist will give you clear instructions about which medications to take, and which to stop, in the lead-up to your procedure. Following these carefully helps ensure the best outcome during your operation and your recovery afterwards.
Read More

What is Pain, and Why Does it Feel Different for Everyone?

When most of us think about pain, we picture it as a simple alarm system: something gets injured, nerves send a signal, and we feel pain. But modern science tells us it’s not that straightforward.
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as: “An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage.” In other words — pain is not just about your...
Read More

Smoking vs Vaping Before Surgery: What’s Worse – And How to Reduce Risks

When preparing for surgery, one of the most important things you can do to improve your recovery is to stop smoking or vaping. Many patients ask us: “Which is worse before surgery — smoking or vaping?” The truth is, both carry risks, though in slightly different ways.
The good news is, stopping even for a short time makes a real difference. ANZCA and international guidelines recommend: Stop as soon as possible — ideally 4–8 weeks before surgery, but even 24–48 hours can improve oxygen delivery and heart function....
Read More

Breastfeeding After Anaesthesia: What Mums Need to Know

At Armadale Anaesthesia, we provide a personalised experience with compassion for all our patients.
Whether you are undergoing major surgery or a minor procedure, our team of specialists is dedicated to ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the process. We actively encourage questions and address all your fears with empathy and understanding.
Read More