What is General Anesthesia?

General anesthesia is the use of drugs to cause a deep sleep-like state in order to safely perform medical or surgical procedures. It is often referred to as a “coma” due to its effects; however, patients remain conscious during a general anesthetic and can still remember some details about the procedure afterwards. During a general anesthetic, the patient does not feel pain or have any awareness of the procedure that is taking place.

General anesthetic is usually administered intravenously, however, it can also be given through inhalation. Inhalation anesthetics such as nitrous oxide, sevoflurane, and desflurane are typically used in routine procedures. These agents are inhaled in order to induce sleep and prevent the patient from feeling pain. Intravenous anesthetics such as propofol, benzodiazepines, and opioids are used when a deeper level of anesthesia is required.

Types of General Anesthesia

There are two types of general anesthesia: general and regional anesthesia. General anesthesia, as the name implies, is used to put the entire body to sleep, while regional anesthesia only numbs the area of the body being operated on.

General anesthesia is commonly used for major surgery, such as a C-section or abdominal surgery. This type of anesthesia is often referred to as “deep sedation.” During general anesthesia, the patient is completely unconscious and does not experience any pain.

Regional anesthesia is used for procedures that are less invasive and that do not involve major surgery. This type of anesthesia is usually used for procedures such as appendectomy, vasectomy, colonoscopy, and orthopedic surgery. Regional anesthesia numbs the area of the body that is being operated on, while the rest of the patient’s body remains awake and alert.

Risks Associated with General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is considered to be safe when administered correctly. However, as with all medications and procedures, there are some risks associated with general anesthesia. These risks include the potential for an allergic reaction, the potential for a respiratory depression, the potential to become unconscious during the procedure, and the potential for post-operative delirium. Additionally, general anesthesia can cause nausea, vomiting, and lightheadedness.

Conclusion

General anesthesia is an effective and safe way to perform surgeries and medical procedures. It allows a patient to remain unconscious and without feeling any pain during the procedure. While there are some risks associated with general anesthesia, it is generally considered safe when administered correctly. If you are scheduled for a medical or surgical procedure, talk to your doctor about the potentials risks involved and how the anesthesia may affect your safety.