General Anaesthesia

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General Anaesthesia

Everything You Need to Know General anaesthesia is a medically induced sleep employed for major operations and procedures to prevent patients from experiencing pain or discomfort. It is the administration of drugs that render the patient unconscious and unaware of the environment. Unlike local or regional anaesthesia, which prevents just one part of the body from perceiving sensation, general anaesthesia is felt by the entire body and mind.

How General Anaesthesia Works

General anaesthesia is achieved through nerve message blocking in the body and brain. The drug is normally administered via an intravenous (IV) tube or breathed in from a mask. Upon beginning to act, the patient is rendered unconscious within seconds. A health team—led by an anaesthesiologist—is then in charge, keeping tabs on all-important signs like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygenation to keep the patient safe.

The anaesthetic drugs employed are broadly categorised into three categories:

Induction agents: Put the patient to sleep.

Maintenance agents: Keep the patient unconscious for the duration of the procedure.

Muscle relaxants: Suppress movement and provide ease of handling for surgeons.

When Is General Anaesthesia Given?

General anaesthesia is given for procedures or surgeries that:

  • Are long
  • Involves profuse blood loss
  • Involves major portions of the body
  • Require the patient to be still or under full unconsciousness

Examples:

  • Heart surgery
  • Brain surgery
  • Organ transplantation

Major orthopaedic procedures such as joint replacement

Some gynecological or abdominal procedures What to Expect Before, During, and After
Before Surgery:
You will have a preoperative visit with your anaesthesiologist. He or she will review your anaesthesia history, medications, allergies, and medical history. You might be required to fast for several hours before the procedure.

During Surgery:
The instant anaesthetic is given, you will be completely unaware and free of pain. In some cases, a breathing tube is placed. Your anaesthesiologist will closely monitor your vital functions throughout the time you are in surgery and modify the medications accordingly.

After Surgery:
You will wake up in a recovery room under the care of nursing staff. Drowsiness, confusion, or side effects like nausea, dry mouth, sore throat (from the tube), or shivering may occur. These will wear off within a few hours.

Risks and Side Effects

General anaesthesia is safe for everyone but carries some risks. The most common side effects are:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sore throat
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of memory or disorientation for a short time (particularly in the elderly)
  • Uncommon but serious complications are:
  • Allergic reactions to anaesthetic medication
  • Respiratory complications
  • Cardiac complications
  • Post-operative cognitive dysfunction

Your anaesthesiologist will do everything possible to reduce these complications according to your health status and type of surgery.

Who Performs General Anaesthesia?

Qualified anaesthesiologists, frequently supported by an anaesthesia technician or nurse anaesthetist, administer and monitor general anaesthesia. They are trained medical specialists who guarantee patient safety during surgery.
General anaesthesia demands high degrees of expertise, particularly where patients are anxious about pre-existing conditions. Selecting a hospital or surgery centre with an experienced anaesthesia team greatly enhances safety and recovery rates.

If you are undergoing surgery and are concerned about general anaesthesia, our highly trained anaesthesiology team is here to guide you. Your safety and comfort are our top concerns at every phase of your surgical process. Call us today to make an appointment or to find out more.

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