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.
There are two possible ways to administer a general anesthetic, intravenously or though inhalation. In most cases a combination of the two methods is used. A doctor called an anesthetist will administer the anesthetic and monitor it closely during the surgery, afterwards it will be reversed and the patient will become conscious.
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.
As a rule, any more extensive surgical procedure is best done while the patient is under a general anesthetic rather than a local one. The patient can discuss this matter with the anesthetist prior to the operation. Certain kinds of surgery most always use a general anesthesia, for instance hernia repair, hysterectomy, and removal of appendix and gallbladder.
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.
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.
There are two possible ways to administer a general anesthetic, intravenously or though inhalation. In most cases a combination of the two methods is used. A doctor called an anesthetist will administer the anesthetic and monitor it closely during the surgery, afterwards it will be reversed and the patient will become conscious.
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.
As a rule, any more extensive surgical procedure is best done while the patient is under a general anesthetic rather than a local one. The patient can discuss this matter with the anesthetist prior to the operation. Certain kinds of surgery most always use a general anesthesia, for instance hernia repair, hysterectomy, and removal of appendix and gallbladder.
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.
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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