General anesthetics are medications given to patients to prepare them for surgery which cause a total loss of consciousness and sensation. It is not known exactly how these drugs actually work, but there are several theories. Although these theories differ, they all indicate a disruption in the receptor cells of the central nervous system which prevent pain from being experienced.
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.
An anesthesia machine is used to deliver inhaled gases or liquids which are vaporized and combined with air and oxygen, and sometimes nitrous oxide to the patient by way of a breathing mask. The machine also monitors the patient's response to the drug and controls its levels. The most commonly used inhaled compounds include Desflurane, Sevoflurane, and Isoflurane.
The injectable form of anesthetics generally work faster and are effective for inducing unconsciousness and maintaining it through a constant intravenous drip. Drugs such as Propofol and Etomidate are some of the most common ones used in IV drips for general anesthesia. Sometimes benzodiazepines are given at the same time to bring about a sedative effect.
The use of a general anesthetic is usually indicated when the procedure to be performed is one that is lengthy and more complicated. The patient will discuss the issue of the most suitable type of anesthesia with the anesthetist. Examples of surgeries almost always requiring a general include removal of gallbladder or appendix, hernia repair, and hysterectomy.
Prior to administering this medication the anesthetist will ask the patient several questions to assess the risk. While highly uncommon, there are possible risks associated with undergoing anesthesia. Those who are obese, heavy drinkers or smokers, or have rare allergic reactions are usually affected more than others. Sometimes complications arise if the patient has not followed the doctor's instructions prior to the surgery, it is important to not eat anything for several hours before the operation as regurgitation and aspiration may occur.
Anesthesia has four stages. The first involves the induction of unconsciousness. The second stage is known as the REM stage. The third stage is termed "surgical anesthesia" and is characterized by constriction of the pupils, relaxation of the muscles, and regular breathing, this is the most stable stage during which the surgery will be performed. Stage four is to be avoided, as it is classified as overdose of the compounds administered and may be fatal 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.
An anesthesia machine is used to deliver inhaled gases or liquids which are vaporized and combined with air and oxygen, and sometimes nitrous oxide to the patient by way of a breathing mask. The machine also monitors the patient's response to the drug and controls its levels. The most commonly used inhaled compounds include Desflurane, Sevoflurane, and Isoflurane.
The injectable form of anesthetics generally work faster and are effective for inducing unconsciousness and maintaining it through a constant intravenous drip. Drugs such as Propofol and Etomidate are some of the most common ones used in IV drips for general anesthesia. Sometimes benzodiazepines are given at the same time to bring about a sedative effect.
The use of a general anesthetic is usually indicated when the procedure to be performed is one that is lengthy and more complicated. The patient will discuss the issue of the most suitable type of anesthesia with the anesthetist. Examples of surgeries almost always requiring a general include removal of gallbladder or appendix, hernia repair, and hysterectomy.
Prior to administering this medication the anesthetist will ask the patient several questions to assess the risk. While highly uncommon, there are possible risks associated with undergoing anesthesia. Those who are obese, heavy drinkers or smokers, or have rare allergic reactions are usually affected more than others. Sometimes complications arise if the patient has not followed the doctor's instructions prior to the surgery, it is important to not eat anything for several hours before the operation as regurgitation and aspiration may occur.
Anesthesia has four stages. The first involves the induction of unconsciousness. The second stage is known as the REM stage. The third stage is termed "surgical anesthesia" and is characterized by constriction of the pupils, relaxation of the muscles, and regular breathing, this is the most stable stage during which the surgery will be performed. Stage four is to be avoided, as it is classified as overdose of the compounds administered and may be fatal 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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