General Anesthesia

What is General Anesthesia?

General anesthesia induces a sleep-like state using a combination of medications known as anesthetics. Medical professionals administer these medications before and during surgical or medical procedures, typically using a mix of intravenous drugs and inhaled gases.

Role of the Anesthesia Team

An anesthesiologist, a physician specializing in anesthesia, oversees this process. In many healthcare settings, anesthesiologists work alongside certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) to form a cohesive team. During the procedure, the team monitors your vital signs, manages your breathing, and addresses pain to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

Medications Used in General Anesthesia

• Induction Agents: Physicians use drugs such as propofol, thiopental, or etomidate to quickly induce unconsciousness.
• Analgesics: Medications like fentanyl and morphine control pain effectively.
• Paralytics: Professionals administer muscle relaxants like succinylcholine or rocuronium to temporarily paralyze muscles, aiding in procedures such as intubation.
• Maintenance Agents: The team uses inhaled anesthetics like sevoflurane and desflurane or intravenous agents to maintain anesthesia throughout the procedure.

General Anesthesia Procedure

Preparation and Administration

Doctors administer anesthesia through an intravenous (IV) line placed in a vein in your arm or hand. Alternatively, you may inhale anesthetic gas through a mask. You will fall asleep within a few minutes of receiving the medication.

Airway Management

Once unconscious, the medical team may insert a tube into your trachea to maintain adequate oxygen supply. To ensure comfort, they provide medications that relax throat muscles before the tube is inserted.

Monitoring During Surgery

Throughout the procedure, the anesthesia team carefully tracks your:

• Breathing
• Temperature
• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Blood oxygen levels
• Fluid balance

Based on these readings, they adjust medications or fluids as needed to ensure your safety and comfort.

Recovery from Anesthesia

After the surgery, the team stops the anesthesia medications, and you slowly regain consciousness in the recovery room. Medical staff monitor your condition to manage pain and detect any complications.

Side Effects of General Anesthesia

• Nausea and Vomiting: 

  You may experience nausea immediately after surgery, which can persist for a day or two. Anti-nausea medications can provide relief.

• Dry Mouth:

  Feeling thirsty is common; sipping water may help if nausea is not severe.

• Sore Throat or Hoarseness:

  Throat discomfort may result from the breathing tube used during surgery.

• Chills and Shivering:

  You might feel cold and shiver due to decreased body temperature, though these sensations typically resolve within hours.

• Confusion:

  Some people feel disoriented or drowsy after waking up, with older adults possibly experiencing confusion for days or weeks.

• Muscle Aches:

  Muscle relaxants used during surgery can cause post-operative soreness.

• Itching:

  Opioid medications administered during or after surgery may lead to mild itching.

• Bladder Issues:

  Temporary difficulty urinating may occur in some individuals.

• Dizziness:

  Standing up for the first time may cause lightheadedness, which hydration can help alleviate.