Patients are often given general anesthetics before undergoing surgery in order to prevent them from being conscious and feeling pain. These are special types of drugs which there is some debate about how they work exactly. Several theories exist which differ yet basically all suggest that these medications effectively block the central nervous system's receptor cells and prevent the pain sensation.
Two methods are used to deliver this type of anesthesia, inhalation and intravenous. Usually a combination of both methods is used. Anesthesiology is the branch of medicine which deals with the prevention of pain during surgery, and the doctor who provides this care to the patient is called an anesthetist. This professional is responsible for ensuring the safe delivery of the drug during the operation and reversing it to bring about consciousness afterwards.
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.
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 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.
While the surgery is taking place, the patient's vital signs will be monitored continuously. Upon recovery, it is normal to expect some side effects such as nausea, chills, dizziness, and discomfort in the throat from the breathing tube being inserted. After a few hours, these feelings should dissipate and the patient will be recovered fully. The advantages general anesthetics have to offer considerably outweigh the risks and side effects.
Two methods are used to deliver this type of anesthesia, inhalation and intravenous. Usually a combination of both methods is used. Anesthesiology is the branch of medicine which deals with the prevention of pain during surgery, and the doctor who provides this care to the patient is called an anesthetist. This professional is responsible for ensuring the safe delivery of the drug during the operation and reversing it to bring about consciousness afterwards.
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.
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 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.
While the surgery is taking place, the patient's vital signs will be monitored continuously. Upon recovery, it is normal to expect some side effects such as nausea, chills, dizziness, and discomfort in the throat from the breathing tube being inserted. After a few hours, these feelings should dissipate and the patient will be recovered fully. The advantages general anesthetics have to offer considerably outweigh the risks and side effects.
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