General Anesthesia

The word "anesthesia" comes from a Greek word meaning absence or loss of sensation. Different types of anesthesia are used in procedures such as tooth extractions to complex procedures such as heart surgery. The anesthesia is used to block pain signals traveling through the nervous system. The type of anesthesia that is to be delivered will depend on:

The general health condition,

The type of surgery and other clinical consideration.

A careful consultation with the Anaesthetist and Surgeon can help determine the type of anesthesia that is required for the procedure.

General anesthesia is usually administered when there is a need for more extensive surgery. This form of anesthesia is nothing more than putting a patient to sleep until the surgery is over. While this is being done, the functioning of other vital organs such as the heart, kidney and lungs is monitored constantly.

General Anesthesia is usually administered through an intravenous route or through inhalation. From this point one will not be aware of anything else during the operation. Following this, a tube called as the endotracheal tube or the breathing tube is placed inside the windpipe. The tube is connected to a machine that delivers oxygen and removes carbondioxide from the lungs.

The set up ensure that the oxygen required for breathing and anaesthetic gases are delivered properly. A monitor can be used to determine whether the tube is properly positioned and whether adequate ventilation is provided throughout the surgery.

During the entire surgical procedure the heart rate, blood pressure and the oxygen level in blood are evaluated through monitors.