21:28
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.
General anesthesia can be administered either via an intravenous drip or inhaled through a mask. Usually a combination of both is used. The anesthetist is the doctor who specializes in this type of procedure and he or she will administer the anesthetic and will also continuously monitor the patient's response until it is time to reverse the effect and bring about consciousness.
Inhaled anesthetics are given to the patient through a mask which covers his or her nose and mouth. These vaporized liquids or gases are mixed with oxygen, air and occasionally nitrous oxide in an anesthesia machine from which they are pumped through into the breathing mask and inhaled. The levels of the medication and the patient's response to it are constantly monitored by this machine. Some commonly used inhaled compounds are Sevoflurane, Isoflurane, and Desflurane.
Injectable anesthetics are typically fast-working and work to both induce unconsciousness and maintain it during the procedure by means of an intravenous drip. In some cases benzodiazepines are given simultaneously as a sedative. The drugs most used for surgical IV's include Etomidate and Propofol.
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.
As there are some rare but possible risks associated with anesthesia, the anesthetist will first ask the patient some questions about his or her health history. Most complications are seen in obese patients, heavy drinkers or smokers, or those with unusual allergic reactions. It is also important to always follow the instructions given by the doctor too, such as not eating for several hours before surgery as to avoid the possibility of vomiting and aspirating.
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.
While the surgery is taking place, the patient's vital signs will be monitored continuously. Upon recovery, it is normal to expect some side effects such as nausea, chills, dizziness, and discomfort in the throat from the breathing tube being inserted. After a few hours, these feelings should dissipate and the patient will be recovered fully. The advantages general anesthetics have to offer considerably outweigh the risks and side effects.
General anesthesia can be administered either via an intravenous drip or inhaled through a mask. Usually a combination of both is used. The anesthetist is the doctor who specializes in this type of procedure and he or she will administer the anesthetic and will also continuously monitor the patient's response until it is time to reverse the effect and bring about consciousness.
Inhaled anesthetics are given to the patient through a mask which covers his or her nose and mouth. These vaporized liquids or gases are mixed with oxygen, air and occasionally nitrous oxide in an anesthesia machine from which they are pumped through into the breathing mask and inhaled. The levels of the medication and the patient's response to it are constantly monitored by this machine. Some commonly used inhaled compounds are Sevoflurane, Isoflurane, and Desflurane.
Injectable anesthetics are typically fast-working and work to both induce unconsciousness and maintain it during the procedure by means of an intravenous drip. In some cases benzodiazepines are given simultaneously as a sedative. The drugs most used for surgical IV's include Etomidate and Propofol.
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.
As there are some rare but possible risks associated with anesthesia, the anesthetist will first ask the patient some questions about his or her health history. Most complications are seen in obese patients, heavy drinkers or smokers, or those with unusual allergic reactions. It is also important to always follow the instructions given by the doctor too, such as not eating for several hours before surgery as to avoid the possibility of vomiting and aspirating.
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.
While the surgery is taking place, the patient's vital signs will be monitored continuously. Upon recovery, it is normal to expect some side effects such as nausea, chills, dizziness, and discomfort in the throat from the breathing tube being inserted. After a few hours, these feelings should dissipate and the patient will be recovered fully. The advantages general anesthetics have to offer considerably outweigh the risks and side effects.
About the Author:
Read more about How General Anesthetics Are Used For Surgery visiting our website.
0 comments:
Post a Comment