General anesthesia induces a sleep-like state using a combination of medications known as anesthetics. Medical professionals administer these medications before and during surgical or medical procedures, typically using a mix of intravenous drugs and inhaled gases.
Role of the Anesthesia Team
An anesthesiologist, a physician specializing in anesthesia, oversees this process. In many healthcare settings, anesthesiologists work alongside certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) to form a cohesive team. During the procedure, the team monitors your vital signs, manages your breathing, and addresses pain to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
Medications Used in General Anesthesia
Induction Agents: Physicians use drugs such as propofol, thiopental, or etomidate to quickly induce unconsciousness.
Analgesics: Medications like fentanyl and morphine control pain effectively.
Paralytics: Professionals administer muscle relaxants like succinylcholine or rocuronium to temporarily paralyze muscles, aiding in procedures such as intubation.
Maintenance Agents: The team uses inhaled anesthetics like sevoflurane and desflurane or intravenous agents to maintain anesthesia throughout the procedure.
General Anesthesia Procedure
Preparation and Administration
Doctors administer anesthesia through an intravenous (IV) line placed in a vein in your arm or hand. Alternatively, you may inhale anesthetic gas through a mask. You will fall asleep within a few minutes of receiving the medication.
Airway Management
Once unconscious, the medical team may insert a tube into your trachea to maintain adequate oxygen supply. To ensure comfort, they provide medications that relax throat muscles before the tube is inserted.
Monitoring During Surgery
Throughout the procedure, the anesthesia team carefully tracks your:
Breathing
Temperature
Heart rate
Blood pressure
Blood oxygen levels
Fluid balance
Based on these readings, they adjust medications or fluids as needed to ensure your safety and comfort.
Recovery from Anesthesia
After the surgery, the team stops the anesthesia medications, and you slowly regain consciousness in the recovery room. Medical staff monitor your condition to manage pain and detect any complications.
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