General anaesthesia

General anaesthesia is a medically induced state of unconsciousness, typically induced to allow medical procedures to be undertaken without the distress and pain they would cause to an awake patient. It is produced by a combination of anesthetic drugs.

History[edit | edit source]

The first successful demonstration of general anaesthesia was by William T. G. Morton, a dentist, on October 16, 1846 in the Ether Dome at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Morton used diethyl ether as the anesthetic agent.

Mechanism of action[edit | edit source]

The exact mechanism of general anaesthesia is not well understood. However, it is believed to involve a reduction in the excitability of nerve endings, or a depression of the central nervous system, which causes a loss of sensation and consciousness.

Types of general anaesthesia[edit | edit source]

There are several types of general anaesthesia, including:

Inhalational anaesthesia: This involves the patient breathing in anesthetic gases or vapors through a mask or a breathing tube.
Intravenous anaesthesia: This involves the injection of anesthetic drugs into the patient's bloodstream.
Balanced anaesthesia: This involves the use of a combination of drugs, each with a specific role, to provide the desired effect.

Risks and complications[edit | edit source]

Like any medical procedure, general anaesthesia carries risks and potential complications. These can include:

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD)
Anesthesia awareness: This is a rare condition where the patient becomes aware of their surroundings during surgery.
Malignant hyperthermia: This is a rare but serious reaction to certain drugs used during general anaesthesia.

References[edit | edit source]

General anaesthesia Resources
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