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.
Injectable anesthesia drugs are typically fast-working and are used to both invoke unconsciousness and continue it throughout the surgical procedure. They are delivered through an intravenous drip. Etomidate and Propofol are two drugs which are often used for this purpose. In some cases benzodiazepines may be administered simultaneously to produce an sedative effect.
Surgeries which are more complex procedures that typically take a longer time to complete are usually best suited to using a general anesthetic as opposed to a local. This will be decided by the patient and his or her anesthetist. Some operations which normally always use a general include gallbladder removal, hysterectomy, hernia repair, and appendectomy.
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 typically consists of four stages. First is unconsciousness. Next is the REM stage. The third stage is the most important and is when the actual operation will be performed, it is known as "surgical anesthesia" and is indicated by even breathing, muscular relaxation, and constricted pupils. The fourth stage needs to be prevented as this indicates an overdose of the anesthetic and can result in death if not reversed.
During the procedure the patient's vital signs will be closely watched to ensure they are not in jeopardy. There are also some side effects which may be experienced after the use of general anesthetics. The patient may feel nauseous, have chills, be dizzy, or have a sore throat due to the insertion of a breathing tube. These feelings typically abate in a few hours and a full recovery will take place. The benefits of this type of anesthesia normally outweigh the minor discomforts which can accompany it.
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.
Injectable anesthesia drugs are typically fast-working and are used to both invoke unconsciousness and continue it throughout the surgical procedure. They are delivered through an intravenous drip. Etomidate and Propofol are two drugs which are often used for this purpose. In some cases benzodiazepines may be administered simultaneously to produce an sedative effect.
Surgeries which are more complex procedures that typically take a longer time to complete are usually best suited to using a general anesthetic as opposed to a local. This will be decided by the patient and his or her anesthetist. Some operations which normally always use a general include gallbladder removal, hysterectomy, hernia repair, and appendectomy.
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 typically consists of four stages. First is unconsciousness. Next is the REM stage. The third stage is the most important and is when the actual operation will be performed, it is known as "surgical anesthesia" and is indicated by even breathing, muscular relaxation, and constricted pupils. The fourth stage needs to be prevented as this indicates an overdose of the anesthetic and can result in death if not reversed.
During the procedure the patient's vital signs will be closely watched to ensure they are not in jeopardy. There are also some side effects which may be experienced after the use of general anesthetics. The patient may feel nauseous, have chills, be dizzy, or have a sore throat due to the insertion of a breathing tube. These feelings typically abate in a few hours and a full recovery will take place. The benefits of this type of anesthesia normally outweigh the minor discomforts which can accompany it.
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