General anesthetics are often administered to patients prior to surgery in order to induce a complete loss of sensation and consciousness. While it is not totally understood how these medications work, there are a few speculations. The common thread found in each of these theories is that the drugs disrupt the function of the receptor cells in the nervous system, thus preventing the sensation of pain.
General anesthesia can be administered either via an intravenous drip or inhaled through a mask. Usually a combination of both is used. The anesthetist is the doctor who specializes in this type of procedure and he or she will administer the anesthetic and will also continuously monitor the patient's response until it is time to reverse the effect and bring about consciousness.
Inhaled anesthetics are delivered using an anesthesia machine, which mixes gases or vaporized liquids with oxygen, air, and in some cases nitrous oxide and releases these through a breathing mask which goes over the patient's nose and mouth. This apparatus monitors the patient's response and also manages the levels being administered. The compounds most often used are Isoflurane, Desflurane, and Sevoflurane.
Injectable anesthesia drugs are typically fast-working and are used to both invoke unconsciousness and continue it throughout the surgical procedure. They are delivered through an intravenous drip. Etomidate and Propofol are two drugs which are often used for this purpose. In some cases benzodiazepines may be administered simultaneously to produce an sedative effect.
Surgeries which are more complex procedures that typically take a longer time to complete are usually best suited to using a general anesthetic as opposed to a local. This will be decided by the patient and his or her anesthetist. Some operations which normally always use a general include gallbladder removal, hysterectomy, hernia repair, and appendectomy.
As there are some rare but possible risks associated with anesthesia, the anesthetist will first ask the patient some questions about his or her health history. Most complications are seen in obese patients, heavy drinkers or smokers, or those with unusual allergic reactions. It is also important to always follow the instructions given by the doctor too, such as not eating for several hours before surgery as to avoid the possibility of vomiting and aspirating.
Anesthesia typically consists of four stages. First is unconsciousness. Next is the REM stage. The third stage is the most important and is when the actual operation will be performed, it is known as "surgical anesthesia" and is indicated by even breathing, muscular relaxation, and constricted pupils. The fourth stage needs to be prevented as this indicates an overdose of the anesthetic and can result in death if not reversed.
As the patient is undergoing surgery, his or her vital signs will need to be carefully monitored by medical personnel. It is normal for there to be some side effects immediately after the patient is revived such as dizziness, nausea, chills, and a sore throat from the breathing tube which was inserted. After a few hours these feelings will usually subside however. Overall, the benefits of general anesthetics are greater than the discomforts associated with it.
General anesthesia can be administered either via an intravenous drip or inhaled through a mask. Usually a combination of both is used. The anesthetist is the doctor who specializes in this type of procedure and he or she will administer the anesthetic and will also continuously monitor the patient's response until it is time to reverse the effect and bring about consciousness.
Inhaled anesthetics are delivered using an anesthesia machine, which mixes gases or vaporized liquids with oxygen, air, and in some cases nitrous oxide and releases these through a breathing mask which goes over the patient's nose and mouth. This apparatus monitors the patient's response and also manages the levels being administered. The compounds most often used are Isoflurane, Desflurane, and Sevoflurane.
Injectable anesthesia drugs are typically fast-working and are used to both invoke unconsciousness and continue it throughout the surgical procedure. They are delivered through an intravenous drip. Etomidate and Propofol are two drugs which are often used for this purpose. In some cases benzodiazepines may be administered simultaneously to produce an sedative effect.
Surgeries which are more complex procedures that typically take a longer time to complete are usually best suited to using a general anesthetic as opposed to a local. This will be decided by the patient and his or her anesthetist. Some operations which normally always use a general include gallbladder removal, hysterectomy, hernia repair, and appendectomy.
As there are some rare but possible risks associated with anesthesia, the anesthetist will first ask the patient some questions about his or her health history. Most complications are seen in obese patients, heavy drinkers or smokers, or those with unusual allergic reactions. It is also important to always follow the instructions given by the doctor too, such as not eating for several hours before surgery as to avoid the possibility of vomiting and aspirating.
Anesthesia typically consists of four stages. First is unconsciousness. Next is the REM stage. The third stage is the most important and is when the actual operation will be performed, it is known as "surgical anesthesia" and is indicated by even breathing, muscular relaxation, and constricted pupils. The fourth stage needs to be prevented as this indicates an overdose of the anesthetic and can result in death if not reversed.
As the patient is undergoing surgery, his or her vital signs will need to be carefully monitored by medical personnel. It is normal for there to be some side effects immediately after the patient is revived such as dizziness, nausea, chills, and a sore throat from the breathing tube which was inserted. After a few hours these feelings will usually subside however. Overall, the benefits of general anesthetics are greater than the discomforts associated with it.
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