General anesthetics are often administered to patients prior to surgery in order to induce a complete loss of sensation and consciousness. While it is not totally understood how these medications work, there are a few speculations. The common thread found in each of these theories is that the drugs disrupt the function of the receptor cells in the nervous system, thus preventing the sensation of pain.
Two methods are used to deliver this type of anesthesia, inhalation and intravenous. Usually a combination of both methods is used. Anesthesiology is the branch of medicine which deals with the prevention of pain during surgery, and the doctor who provides this care to the patient is called an anesthetist. This professional is responsible for ensuring the safe delivery of the drug during the operation and reversing it to bring about consciousness afterwards.
An anesthesia machine is used to deliver inhaled gases or liquids which are vaporized and combined with air and oxygen, and sometimes nitrous oxide to the patient by way of a breathing mask. The machine also monitors the patient's response to the drug and controls its levels. The most commonly used inhaled compounds include Desflurane, Sevoflurane, and Isoflurane.
Injectable anesthesia drugs are typically fast-working and are used to both invoke unconsciousness and continue it throughout the surgical procedure. They are delivered through an intravenous drip. Etomidate and Propofol are two drugs which are often used for this purpose. In some cases benzodiazepines may be administered simultaneously to produce an sedative effect.
The use of a general anesthetic is usually indicated when the procedure to be performed is one that is lengthy and more complicated. The patient will discuss the issue of the most suitable type of anesthesia with the anesthetist. Examples of surgeries almost always requiring a general include removal of gallbladder or appendix, hernia repair, and hysterectomy.
Prior to administering this medication the anesthetist will ask the patient several questions to assess the risk. While highly uncommon, there are possible risks associated with undergoing anesthesia. Those who are obese, heavy drinkers or smokers, or have rare allergic reactions are usually affected more than others. Sometimes complications arise if the patient has not followed the doctor's instructions prior to the surgery, it is important to not eat anything for several hours before the operation as regurgitation and aspiration may occur.
There are four stage to anesthesia. The first is the initiation of unconsciousness. The second is referred to as the REM stage. The third is called "surgical anesthesia" and is marked by the relaxation of the muscles, constriction of pupils, and a regular breathing pattern. This is the optimal time for the surgery to be done. Stage four is an overdose of the anesthetic compounds and can be deadly if it isn't reversed.
As the patient is undergoing surgery, his or her vital signs will need to be carefully monitored by medical personnel. It is normal for there to be some side effects immediately after the patient is revived such as dizziness, nausea, chills, and a sore throat from the breathing tube which was inserted. After a few hours these feelings will usually subside however. Overall, the benefits of general anesthetics are greater than the discomforts associated with it.
Two methods are used to deliver this type of anesthesia, inhalation and intravenous. Usually a combination of both methods is used. Anesthesiology is the branch of medicine which deals with the prevention of pain during surgery, and the doctor who provides this care to the patient is called an anesthetist. This professional is responsible for ensuring the safe delivery of the drug during the operation and reversing it to bring about consciousness afterwards.
An anesthesia machine is used to deliver inhaled gases or liquids which are vaporized and combined with air and oxygen, and sometimes nitrous oxide to the patient by way of a breathing mask. The machine also monitors the patient's response to the drug and controls its levels. The most commonly used inhaled compounds include Desflurane, Sevoflurane, and Isoflurane.
Injectable anesthesia drugs are typically fast-working and are used to both invoke unconsciousness and continue it throughout the surgical procedure. They are delivered through an intravenous drip. Etomidate and Propofol are two drugs which are often used for this purpose. In some cases benzodiazepines may be administered simultaneously to produce an sedative effect.
The use of a general anesthetic is usually indicated when the procedure to be performed is one that is lengthy and more complicated. The patient will discuss the issue of the most suitable type of anesthesia with the anesthetist. Examples of surgeries almost always requiring a general include removal of gallbladder or appendix, hernia repair, and hysterectomy.
Prior to administering this medication the anesthetist will ask the patient several questions to assess the risk. While highly uncommon, there are possible risks associated with undergoing anesthesia. Those who are obese, heavy drinkers or smokers, or have rare allergic reactions are usually affected more than others. Sometimes complications arise if the patient has not followed the doctor's instructions prior to the surgery, it is important to not eat anything for several hours before the operation as regurgitation and aspiration may occur.
There are four stage to anesthesia. The first is the initiation of unconsciousness. The second is referred to as the REM stage. The third is called "surgical anesthesia" and is marked by the relaxation of the muscles, constriction of pupils, and a regular breathing pattern. This is the optimal time for the surgery to be done. Stage four is an overdose of the anesthetic compounds and can be deadly if it isn't reversed.
As the patient is undergoing surgery, his or her vital signs will need to be carefully monitored by medical personnel. It is normal for there to be some side effects immediately after the patient is revived such as dizziness, nausea, chills, and a sore throat from the breathing tube which was inserted. After a few hours these feelings will usually subside however. Overall, the benefits of general anesthetics are greater than the discomforts associated with it.
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