General anesthesia
About this test
General anesthesia brings on a sleep-like state with the use of a combination of medicines. The medicines, known as anesthetics, are given before and during surgery or other medical procedures. General anesthesia usually uses a combination of intravenous medicines and inhaled gasses.
Why it's done
Your anesthesiologist, together with your surgeon or another specialist, will recommend the best anesthesia option for you. The form of anesthesia is chosen based on the type of surgery you're having, your overall health and your preferences. Your team may recommend general anesthesia for certain procedures. These include procedures that may: Take a long time. Require the use of muscle relaxants. Result in significant bleeding. Significantly change your breathing, blood pressure or heart rate. Other forms of anesthesia may be recommended depending on your procedure. Spinal anesthesia may be recommended for surgery below your waist such as a cesarean section or hip replacement. Regional anesthesia may be recommended for surgery on a specific part of the body such as a hand or foot. Local anesthesia may be appropriate for minor procedures that involve a small area such as a biopsy. While these forms of anesthesia are commonly combined with sedation during the procedure, they may not be appropriate for more-involved procedures.
Risks and complications
General anesthesia is very safe. Most people don't have serious problems from general anesthesia. This is true even for people with significant health conditions. Your risk of complications is more closely related to the type of procedure you're undergoing and your general physical health. Older adults or those with serious medical problems are at increased risk of confusion after surgery. They're also at higher risk of pneumonia, stroke or a heart attack after surgery. This is particularly true if they're undergoing more-extensive procedures. Conditions that can increase your risk of complications during surgery include: Smoking. Sleep apnea. Obesity. High blood pressure. Diabetes. Stroke. Seizures. Other medical conditions involving the heart, lungs, kidneys or liver. Medicines that can increase bleeding. Heavy alcohol or drug use. Allergies to medicines. Previous adverse reactions to anesthesia.
How to prepare
In the days or weeks before your procedure, adopt healthy lifestyle habits. You can do this by increasing your activity level, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep and stopping tobacco use. Better health before surgery can help improve your recovery after anesthesia and surgery. Be sure to let your health care provider know about all the medicines you take. This includes prescription medicines as well as medicines, vitamins and supplements you can get without a prescription. Some medicines are safe or even encouraged to continue throughout your surgery. But some medicines must be stopped for a day or several days before surgery. Your health care provider or surgeon can tell you which medicines to take and which medicines to stop taking before surgery. You'll be given instructions about when to stop eating and drinking. Rules about eating and drinking are set to allow enough time for food and liquid to empty from your stomach before your procedure. Sedation and anesthesia relax the muscles in your digestive tract. This reduces your body's usual protective reflexes that help prevent food and acid from passing from your stomach into your lungs. For your safety, it's important to follow these instructions. If you don't follow instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before surgery, your procedure may be delayed or canceled. If you have sleep apnea, discuss your condition with your surgeon and anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist or CRNA will need to carefully check your breathing during and after your surgery. If you wear a device at night for treatment of sleep apnea, bring your device with you to the procedure.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.