SMC Dept of Anesthesia General
Anesthesia Information
General Anesthesia - Questions
What is "General Anesthesia"?
A general anesthetic is an anesthetic in which the patient
is unconscious during the surgery.
What drugs are used?
The drugs that are used depend on the patient and the
type of surgery. In each patient the drugs are titrated to the appropriate
level. Short acting drugs such as sodium pentothal and propofol are used to
induce anesthesia. Various narcotics such as fentanyl, morphine and sufentanil
will be used for pain relief. Other drugs such as midazolam may be used to
reduce anxiety before transport to the operating room. Inhalational drugs
may be used to maintain anesthesia.
What is the risk of "waking up"
under anesthesia?
The incidence of recall under anesthesia is quite rare
but it does occur. Every effort is made to prevent this. It is most likely
to occur during cardiac surgery, C-sections and very ill patients.
What is the risk of dying under anesthesia?
Anesthesia is much safer today than it was in the past
with the advent of better patient monitors and better anesthetic agents. The
risk of dying from anesthesia is between 1/200,000 and 1/1,000,000. This risk
is affected by your age, weight, habitus, associated diseases and habits (smoking,
drinking, drugs).
Can you prevent vomiting after anesthesia?
Newer drugs called anti-emetics will decrease
your chance of vomiting. Please let your anesthesiologist know
if this has been a problem or if you have problems with motion
sickness.