Are you afraid of being anesthetized before surgery? Let's find out! (General Anesthesia)

If you've ever had to undergo surgery, you've probably heard of "anesthesia" before it. Many people are a little scared of this. It's normal to have questions like "Will I ever wake up?" and "What will happen if I go under anesthesia?" But it's actually a very safe procedure, performed under the full supervision of doctors. So today, let's talk about general anesthesia , or everything you need to know about it.

Simply put, what is general anesthesia?

General anesthesia is when you are put into a state similar to a deep sleep during surgery. Strictly speaking, this is not just sleeping, but a deeper, controlled state of unconsciousness. During this time, your body will not feel any pain, and you will not remember anything else during the surgery .

This job is done by an anesthesiologist . He is a doctor who has specialized training in anesthesia , that is, inducing sleep. From the time the surgery begins until it is over, until you are fully awake again, this anesthesiologist sits next to you and monitors your every movement. So there is no reason to be afraid.

Now let's see what the difference is between general anesthesia and other anesthesia methods.

How does the process of dream loss occur?

This is something that happens very gradually.

1. Administering medication: When you go to the operating theatre, a cannula (IV line) will be inserted into a vein in your arm and a liquid medication will be given through it. Or sometimes a mask will be placed over your face and you will be given a gas to breathe through. Within a few minutes, you will fall into a state similar to a deep sleep.

2. Ensuring breathing : After you are completely unconscious, the anesthesiologist will insert a small tube (endotracheal tube) through your mouth into your windpipe to ensure you get the right amount of oxygen throughout the surgery. You will not feel it being inserted because you will be given medicine to relax the muscles in your throat before this is done.

3. Continuous monitoring: Throughout the surgery, the anesthesia team will constantly measure the following things in your body:

• Breathing rate
• Body temperature
• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Blood oxygen level
• Body fluid levels

4. Recovery: Once the surgery is over, the doctor will stop giving you the anesthesia. Then you will be taken to the recovery room. There you will gradually start to wake up. The doctors and nurses will make sure that you are not in pain or experiencing any other discomfort.

What medications are used for this?

Two main types of medications are used to induce sleep: IV drugs and inhaled medications.

IV Drugs

• Propofol: A commonly used drug. It quickly puts you in a state of drowsiness and helps you stay in that state throughout the surgery.
• Etomidate: A short-term medication given to initiate amnesia.
• Ketamine: Used alone or with other drugs for short surgeries.

Inhaled Medications

• Sevoflurane: A gas commonly used to induce and maintain anesthesia.
• Desflurane: This is also used to maintain anesthesia.
• Nitrous Oxide: Also known as "laughing gas," it is not strong enough to induce a deep sleep state on its own, so it is used in combination with other powerful drugs.

How should you prepare before surgery?

Your doctor and anesthesiologist will talk to you before the surgery. They will definitely ask you about these things. It is very important for your safety to tell the truth at this time and not hide anything.

• Other medical conditions you have (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease).
• All medications you use (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
• Allergies you have - to things like medications, eggs, soy, etc.
• Whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
• Whether there was any reaction to anesthesia during a previous surgery.

Also, you may be asked to stop taking certain medications that increase bleeding, such as aspirin, about a week before surgery. Talk to your doctor about this as well.

What are the side effects and risks?

General anesthesia is one of the safest things in modern medicine. However, like any medical procedure, there are minor side effects and very rare risks.

Common temporary side effects

These usually go away within a few hours or a day.

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Sore throat or hoarseness (due to the windpipe)
• Drowsiness
• Tremor
• Body pain
• Itching
• Some memory loss (especially in the elderly)

Those who may be at increased risk

Some people are at slightly higher risk of complications from anesthesia.

• Obese people: Anesthesia and breathing management should be done with greater care in people with a higher body weight.
• Elderly: The risk may increase as you age due to the presence of other medical conditions.
• People with other diseases: People with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and kidney disease.
• People with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
• Smokers: The risk is higher because smoking affects the respiratory system.
• People who drink a lot of alcohol: People who are addicted to alcohol may respond differently to anesthetic drugs.
• People who are allergic to anesthetic drugs.

Very rarely, about one in a thousand people, you may have some level of consciousness (anesthesia awareness) even after being anesthetized. Although this is very rare, you can talk to your doctor about it.