What is General Anaesthesia?
General anesthesia is a type of anesthesia that induces a state of unconsciousness in the patient. As a result, the anesthetic renders them completely unaware and unresponsive to surgical procedures or other medical interventions.
During general anesthesia, the patient is typically given a combination of intravenous and inhaled anesthetics that work together to produce a loss of sensation and consciousness. As a result, the patient sleeps during the procedure and feels no pain.
General anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist, a specially trained medical professional responsible for monitoring the patient's vital signs and adjusting the dosage of anesthesia to maintain the desired level of unconsciousness and pain control.
The patient's heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation throughout the general anesthesia procedure are constantly monitored to maintain stability. Anesthesiologists use general anesthesia for surgical procedures or other medical interventions that require the patient to be completely unconscious and immobile. The decision to use general anesthesia depends on various factors, including the patient's medical history, the nature of the procedure, and the patient's and healthcare provider's preferences.
General anesthesia is commonly used for surgery or other medical procedures that require the patient to be completely unconscious. The decision to use general anesthesia versus other types of anesthesia depends on several factors, including:
- the patient's medical history,
- the nature of the operation,
- the patient's preferences, and
- the recommendations of the anesthesiologist in charge.
Can I breathe while under sedation?
General anesthesia impairs the patient's ability to breathe independently, also known as medically induced respiratory depression. Therefore, the patient requires assistance with mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
The patient is sedated and unconscious before a breathing tube is placed in the airway, connected to a machine that helps regulate the flow of oxygen and anesthetic gases into the patient's lungs.
The anesthesiologist closely monitors the patient's respiratory function throughout the procedure to ensure that they receive enough oxygen and that the oxygenation and ventilation are within the normal range.
At the end of the operation, the anesthesiologist gradually discontinues the anesthetic. After the patient can breathe independently, the medical staff removes the breathing tube.
What are the complications of intubation?
While inserting a breathing tube is generally considered a safe and routine procedure, some potential complications may occur.
These can include:
- Damage to the teeth, or gums.
- Sore throat or hoarseness.
After removing the breathing tube, some patients may experience a sore throat or hoarseness due to irritation of the throat tissues during the procedure.
- Bleeding.
In rare cases, the insertion of the breathing tube can cause bleeding, particularly if the patient has an underlying medical condition that affects their blood clotting ability.
- Bronchospasm.
In some cases, the insertion of the breathing tube can trigger bronchospasm, a sudden narrowing of the airways that makes breathing difficult. It is more common in children and patients with asthma or COPD.
- Pneumothorax / Pneumomediastinum.
In rare cases, the insertion of the breathing tube can puncture a bronchus or the lung, causing air to leak into the chest cavity.
It's important to note that these complications are rare, and the necessity of using a breathing tube during anesthesia outweighs the risks.
Additionally, trained medical professionals take steps to minimize the chances of complications during the medical operation.
What are the risks of general anesthesia?
While generally safe and effective, general anesthesia does carry some risks, and patients should carefully discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure with their healthcare provider before undergoing any surgical or medical intervention.
Some possible complications of general anesthesia include:
- Allergic reaction.
Some patients may experience an allergic reaction to one or more medications used during anesthesia.
- Nausea or vomiting (PONV).
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of general anesthesia, particularly in the immediate postoperative period.
- Complicated airway.
Technical difficulties in inserting the breathing tube can cause hypoxia.
- Postoperative confusion.
Some patients may experience confusion, disorientation, or other cognitive impairments in the postoperative period, mainly if they are older or have pre-existing cognitive impairments.
- Respiratory depression.
General anesthesia can cause respiratory depression, requiring mechanical ventilation or other supportive measures to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
- Awareness.
A rare phenomenon (< 1%) where a patient may become partially or fully conscious during a surgical procedure or medical intervention despite being under general anesthesia.
It's important to note that these complications are relatively rare, and most patients undergoing general anesthesia experience no significant problems.
Trained medical professionals take steps to minimize the risks of complications during Anesthesiaand closely monitor patients throughout the procedure and postoperative period to ensure their safety and well-being.
How is general anesthesia administrated?
- Anesthesia consultation / Preoperative evaluation
Before administering anesthesia, the anesthesiologist will evaluate the patient's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory test results to determine the appropriate type and dosage of anesthesia.
The patient will also be able to address questions and discuss the procedure with the anesthesiologist.
- Preoperative preparation
The patient may ask for medication to help them relax before being taken to the operating room. The anesthesiologist will also place monitoring devices on the patient, such as a blood pressure cuff, ECG electrodes, and a pulse oximeter.
- Preoxygenation
A medical technique to increase the body's oxygen level before anesthesia or a medical procedure requiring sedation. Preoxygenation aims to reduce the risk of hypoxia, a condition where the body does not have enough oxygen.
During preoxygenation, the anesthesiologist instructs the patient to take deep breaths through a mask or nasal cannula for several minutes. It helps fill the lungs with oxygen and replace the nitrogen usually present in the lungs. This process helps to increase the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, which can help prevent hypoxia during anesthesia or sedation.
Preoxygenation occurs before the induction of anesthesia or the administration of sedatives for procedures such as endoscopy, bronchoscopy, and other medical imaging studies. It usually lasts 3-5 minutes, but the duration can vary depending on the patient's health status and medical procedure.
- Induction
The anesthesiologist will administer the anesthesia drugs, typically through an intravenous (IV) line and a mask in rare or exceptional cases, for example, babies and little children. The drugs will quickly put the patient to sleep and prevent them from feeling pain or discomfort during the surgical procedure.
- Maintenance
Once the patient is asleep, the anesthesiologist will continue administering the anesthesia drugs to keep them in a state of unconsciousness and pain-free. The anesthesiologist will also monitor the patient's vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, so they remain stable.
- Emergence
As the surgical procedure nears completion, the anesthesiologist will gradually reduce the number of administered anesthetics. Once the drugs wear off, the patient will wake up from anesthesia and may feel dizzy and disoriented. Painkillers can help reduce any postoperative pain and discomfort.
- Postoperative care
The patient will be taken to the recovery room after the surgery. The anesthesiologist will continue to monitor their vital signs until they are stable enough to be discharged or moved to the patient's room.
It's important to note that the steps involved in the general anesthesia process may vary depending on the patient's individual needs and the type of surgery.
Therefore, close collaboration with the surgical team before, during, and after the surgery is crucial for the patient΄s safety and well-being.
What is the process before undergoing general anesthesia?
General anesthesia is a complex medical procedure that requires careful preparation, monitoring, and postoperative care to ensure the patient's safety and comfort. While generally considered safe and effective, some potential risks and complications are associated with general anesthesia. Therefore, patients are closely monitored throughout the procedure and postoperative period to minimize these risks.
Before undergoing general anesthesia, there are several essential steps you should take to help ensure a safe and successful procedure:
- Follow preoperative instructions
Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions in the days and hours leading up to your procedure. These may include eating or drinking restrictions, medication regimen changes, or other preparations you should make.
- Provide accurate medical information
Make sure your healthcare provider has a complete and accurate medical history, including any underlying medical conditions, medications you are currently taking, and any allergies or adverse reactions you have experienced.
- Discuss anesthesia options
Talk to your anesthesiologist about the different types of anesthesia available and which option is best for you based on your medical history and the procedure you are undergoing.
- Arrange for transportation in case of ambulatory surgery
Because the effects of general anesthesia can linger for several hours after the procedure, it is vital to arrange for your transportation and have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours.
- Address any concerns
If you have any concerns or questions about the anesthesia process, bring them up with your healthcare provider or anesthesiologist before the procedure.
By following these steps, you can help ensure a safe and successful procedure and minimize the risk of complications from general anesthesia.
