Anesthesia: General Anesthesia

What Is General Anesthesia?

General anesthesia puts you into a state like deep sleep. It goes into the bloodstream (IV anesthetics), into the lungs (gas anesthetics), or both. You feel nothing during the procedure. You will not remember it. During the procedure, the anesthesia provider monitors you. He or she checks your heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, and blood oxygen.

• IV Anesthetics
  IV anesthetics are given through an IV line in your arm. They’re often given first. This is so you are asleep before a gas anesthetic is started. Some kinds of IV anesthetics relieve pain. Others relax you. Your doctor will decide which kind is best in your case.

• Gas Anesthetics
  Gas anesthetics are breathed into the lungs. They are often used to keep you asleep. They can be given through a facemask, an endotracheal tube, or a laryngeal mask airway.

  • If you have a facemask, your anesthesia provider will most likely place it over your nose and mouth while you’re still awake. You’ll breathe oxygen through the mask as your IV anesthetic is started. Gas anesthetic may be added through the mask.

  • If you have an endotracheal tube or a laryngeal mask airway, it will be inserted into your throat after you’re asleep.

Anesthesia Tools and Medications

You will likely have:

• IV anesthetics sent through an IV line into your bloodstream.

• Gas anesthetics breathed into your lungs, where they pass into your bloodstream.

• A pulse oximeter on the end of your finger. This measures your blood oxygen level.

• Electrocardiography leads (electrodes) on your chest. These record your heart rate and rhythm.

• A blood pressure cuff. This reads your blood pressure.

Risks and Possible Complications General anesthesia has some risks. These include: Breathing problems Nausea and vomiting Sore throat or hoarseness Allergic reaction to the anesthetic Ongoing numbness (rare) Irregular heartbeat (rare) Cardiac arrest (rare)

Anesthesia Safety

• Follow all instructions you are given for how long not to eat or drink before your procedure.

• Be sure your doctor knows what medications you take. This includes over-the-counter medications, herbs, and supplements.

• Have an adult family member or friend drive you home after the procedure.

• For the first 24 hours after your surgery:

  • Do not drive or use heavy equipment.

  • Do not make important decisions or sign documents.

  • Avoid alcohol.

  • Have someone stay with you, if possible. They can watch for problems and help keep you safe.