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.
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.
Inhaled anesthetics are given to the patient through a mask which covers his or her nose and mouth. These vaporized liquids or gases are mixed with oxygen, air and occasionally nitrous oxide in an anesthesia machine from which they are pumped through into the breathing mask and inhaled. The levels of the medication and the patient's response to it are constantly monitored by this machine. Some commonly used inhaled compounds are Sevoflurane, Isoflurane, and Desflurane.
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.
Before the patient is given the anesthetic, the anesthetist will normally ask him or her several questions to determine if there is an increased risk. Such risks are very rare, but anesthesia does come with its potential dangers. Patients with allergies, smoking and drinking habits, and obesity are more likely to be affected by these complications. Another reason for such incidents is patients not following instructions properly, such as eating before surgery which may result in vomiting and aspiration.
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.
Inhaled anesthetics are given to the patient through a mask which covers his or her nose and mouth. These vaporized liquids or gases are mixed with oxygen, air and occasionally nitrous oxide in an anesthesia machine from which they are pumped through into the breathing mask and inhaled. The levels of the medication and the patient's response to it are constantly monitored by this machine. Some commonly used inhaled compounds are Sevoflurane, Isoflurane, and Desflurane.
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.
Before the patient is given the anesthetic, the anesthetist will normally ask him or her several questions to determine if there is an increased risk. Such risks are very rare, but anesthesia does come with its potential dangers. Patients with allergies, smoking and drinking habits, and obesity are more likely to be affected by these complications. Another reason for such incidents is patients not following instructions properly, such as eating before surgery which may result in vomiting and aspiration.
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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