The absence of sensation is referred to as “anesthesia”. It can range from a local anesthetic injection, which numbs a small area of the body, like a finger or around a tooth, to the use of strong medications that induce unconsciousness, known as general anesthesia.
These medications also impact the heart, lungs, and blood circulation. For this reason, general anesthesia is always administered under the careful supervision of an anesthetist or an anesthesia associate. They are specially trained to ensure the anesthetic works effectively while prioritizing your safety and well-being.
Local anesthetic drugs work by stopping the signals from your nerves from reaching your brain. Once the effects of the drugs fade, normal sensations return.
What are the types of anesthesia?
General anesthesia puts you into a controlled state of unconsciousness where you feel nothing and won’t remember anything that happens while you are under. A general anesthetic is needed for a wide variety of surgeries, including most major procedures on the heart, lungs, abdomen, brain, or major arteries.
Anesthetic drugs are either injected into a vein or given as gas to inhale. These drugs prevent the brain from responding to signals sent by the body nerves. Anesthetic-induced unconsciousness differs from natural sleep in that you will not wake up until the drugs are stopped and their effects have worn off.
While you’re unconscious, the surgical team takes great care of you, and your anesthetist remains by your side throughout the procedure. Reach out to the Coimbatore Anesthesia Hospital if you have any concerns on anesthesia or looking for a safe anesthetic procedure.
Local anesthesia:
A local anesthetic numbs a specific area of the body where the procedure is being done. It’s used when nerves are easily accessible through drops, sprays, ointments, or injections. You remain awake but won’t feel pain. Common uses include dental work, like tooth removal, and some routine eye surgeries.
Regional anesthesia:
In this case, a local anesthetic is injected near the nerves that serve a larger or deeper part of the body, causing that area to become numb.
Spinal and epidural anesthesia:
Spinals and epidurals are the most common types of regional anesthesia. These injections are often used for surgeries on the lower body, like cesarean sections, bladder procedures, or hip replacements. You remain awake but won’t feel any pain.
Sedation:
Sedation uses small amounts of anesthetic drugs to create a calm, sleep-like state. There are different levels of sedation, but it usually makes you feel relaxed and drowsy. You may fall asleep briefly, but the person managing your sedation will talk to you, and you may be aware of your surroundings at times during the procedure. Sedation and anesthesia are not completely the same and may be recommended accordingly based on your needs.
Some people who have a local or regional anesthetic prefer not to be fully awake during surgery and opt for sedation as well. Afterward, you might remember everything, bits and pieces, or nothing at all.
How does general anesthesia keep you safe during surgery?
Before machines monitor vital signs during general anesthesia, doctors developed a system to ensure patient safety. They divided this system into four stages.
Induction:
The first stage begins when you first take the medication and continues until you fall asleep. You feel calm and can still talk for a bit. Your breathing becomes slow but steady, and you start to lose the sensation of pain.
Excitement:
The second stage can be risky, so the anesthesiologist will aim to move you through it quickly. During this stage, you may experience uncontrolled movements, a rapid heartbeat, and irregular breathing. There’s also a chance of vomiting, which could lead to choking.
Surgical anesthesia:
At this stage, surgery can be performed. Your eyes become still, your muscles relax completely, and you may stop breathing without assistance from machines. The anesthesiologist will maintain this state until the procedure is finished.
What are the benefits of general anesthesia?
There are several benefits of choosing general anesthesia during a surgical procedure. They include:
- Unconscious state of mind:
You won’t be conscious during the surgery and won’t experience any pain.
- Control of breathing:
In some surgeries, the anesthesiologist may need to manage your breathing for you.
- Immobility:
It helps keep you motionless during delicate surgeries where any movement could cause issues.
- Reduced response to stress:
General anesthesia reduces the body’s stress reaction to surgery, aiding in a smoother recovery.
How long can anesthesia stay in the system?
Anesthetic drugs can remain in your body for up to 24 hours. If you’ve had sedation, regional, or general anesthesia, avoid driving or returning to work until the drugs have worn off. After local anesthesia, you can usually resume normal activities if your doctor approves.
Important Takeaway:
Anesthesia is a vital medical advancement that allows you to safely and comfortably undergo surgeries, whether large or small. It’s natural to feel nervous beforehand, so if you have any concerns, consult the Best Anesthesiologist In Coimbatore.
