Learning About General Anesthesia

To keep you safe and free from pain during a surgery or a procedure, your medical care team may use general anesthesia.

General anesthesia is medicine that causes you to become unconscious during the surgery.

This medicine affects the whole body.

Here's how it may be done.

Before you get general anesthesia, you may be given medicines to help you relax and feel sleepy.

The anesthesia specialist will start your general anesthesia through a tiny tube, called a catheter, in your vein.

The specialist will put a soft tube or other device in the back of your throat.

This is so you can breathe in the anesthetic and oxygen.

It also keeps you safe by keeping your airway open.

You'll be kept safe and comfortable throughout the surgery.

The anesthesia specialist will closely watch your heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, and other vital functions.

And they will adjust your medicines as needed.

Now here's what you can expect after the surgery.

The time it will take for you to come out of the anesthesia will depend on the medicines used and how your body responds to them.

Some people may feel nauseous and may vomit.

You may get medicine that can help.

And some people have a sore throat or hoarseness from the breathing tube.

Some people may feel confused or have trouble thinking for a few hours after the surgery.

Now, let's learn about preparing for anesthesia.

Before you get general anesthesia, your doctor will examine you to check for anything that could affect your care.

They'll also discuss any risks and how you may feel after the anesthesia.

Tell your anesthesia specialist about any health problems— such as sleep apnea—and any past surgeries.

And tell them if a family member has had any problems with anesthesia.

Let the specialist know about all medicines and natural health products you take.

Let them know if you are pregnant or if you smoke.

And if you do smoke, try to stop for at least 1 month before your surgery.

This may even be a good time to try to quit for good.

And here's something else you can prepare for.

Your anesthesia specialist may ask you a lot of questions that may seem personal.

They're not asking to judge you or invade your privacy.

They are asking because they want to keep you safe.

For example, if you use marijuana, opioids, or other drugs, let them know.

They may need to adjust your medicines to keep you safe.

They will keep your information confidential.

Now, if your surgery or procedure involves staying at the hospital, remember to bring the things you need to help you sleep, such as a CPAP machine if you use one.

Thinking about "going under"

or being in someone else's care while you are getting general anesthesia may be stressful.

But knowing that your anesthesia specialist and the rest of your medical care team are trained and focused on helping you stay safe can help.

And if you have any questions or concerns, you can always talk to your anesthesia specialist.