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General anesthesia

Contents of this page:

Definition    Return to top

General anesthesia is medicine that puts you into a deep sleep so you do not feel pain during surgery. When you receive this medicine, you will not be aware of what is happening around you.

Description    Return to top

You will receive general anesthesia in a hospital or outpatient office. Most times, a doctor called an anesthesiologist will put you to sleep. Sometimes, a certified registered nurse anesthetist will take care of you.

The doctor will give you medication into your vein. You may be asked to inhale (breathe in) a special gas through a mask. Once you are asleep, the doctor may insert a tube into your trachea (windpipe) to help you breathe and protect your lungs.

You will be watched very closely while you are asleep. Your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be monitored. The doctor or nurse taking care of you can change how deeply asleep you are during the surgery.

You will not move, feel any pain, or have any memories of the procedure because of this medicine.

Why the Procedure is Performed    Return to top

General anesthesia is a safe way to stay asleep and pain-free during procedures that would be:

You may also be able to have conscious sedation for your procedure, but sometimes it isn’t enough to make you comfortable. Children may need general anesthesia for a medical or dental procedure to handle any pain or anxiety they may feel.

Risks    Return to top

General anesthesia is usually safe for healthy people. People with heart, lung, or kidney problems, smokers, people who abuse alcohol or medications, and those with allergies or a family history of being allergic to medicine may have a higher risk of having problems with general anesthesia.

Ask your doctor about these complications:

Before the Procedure    Return to top

Always tell your doctor or nurse:

During the days before the surgery:

On the day of your surgery:

After the Procedure    Return to top

You will wake up tired and groggy in the recovery or operating room. You may also feel sick to your stomach, and have a dry mouth, sore throat, or feel cold or restless until the anesthesia wears off. Your nurse will monitor these side effects. They will wear off, but it may take a few hours. Sometimes nausea and vomiting can be treated with other medicines.

Follow what your doctor says to do while you recover and care for your surgical wound.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

General anesthesia is generally safe because of modern equipment, medications, and safety standards. Most people recover completely and do not have any complications.

References    Return to top

Sherwood ER, Williams CG, Prough DS. Anesthesiology principles, pain management, and conscious sedation. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 18.

Update Date: 3/17/2009

Updated by: Billy K Huh, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Management, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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