Definition

General anesthesia puts the entire body to sleep by giving medicine. It is often used during emergency surgery. It is also commonly used if a procedure would make you uncomfortable if you were awake.

Doctors trained in anesthesia (anesthesiologists) carefully balance the amount of anesthesia medicines given by closely monitoring the body’s functions. Medicines are used to:

• Prevent pain
• Relax the muscles
• Regulate body functions

Reasons for Procedure

This is used so that surgery can be done without you:

• Being aware of it
• Feeling any pain

Possible Complications    TOP

Every precaution is used to prevent complications. Often, medicines are given in advance to prevent certain problems, such as nausea and vomiting. Even so, complications may occur and include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Allergic reaction to anesthetic used
• Nerve damage or skin breakdown from positioning on the operating table
• Sore throat or damage to throat, teeth, or vocal cords
• While rare, there is a small risk of the following complications, especially among the elderly or those with medical problems:
  • Lung infections
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Anesthesia awareness—a rare complication where the patient becomes aware during the surgery

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Medical conditions—heart, respiratory, kidney conditions, and diabetes
• Certain medicines—especially those that increase bleeding (eg, aspirin)
• Smoking
• Alcohol use—may alter the way the liver handles anesthesia
• Time of last food intake—a full stomach may cause food to enter the lungs
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia in the past or family history of adverse reactions
• Food or drug allergies

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

What to Expect    TOP

Description of the Procedure

General anesthesia is broken down into three phases:

• Induction phase—Medicines will be given that result in the loss of consciousness. These will be given through an IV or through gas into the lungs. A breathing tube will be placed down your windpipe. This will be attached to a machine that helps you continue to breathe normally.
• Middle or maintenance phase—Medicines will be given based on your responses. These may keep you asleep or regulate your body functions.
• Recovery or emergence phase—This will slowly reverse the anesthesia. The medicines given will allow you to wake up. When you are starting to awaken and are breathing on your own, the breathing tube will be removed.

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Call Your Doctor    TOP

After you leave the hospital, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Nausea and/or vomiting that you cannot control with the medicines you were given after surgery, or which last for more than two days after leaving the hospital
• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Dizziness, faintness

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.