Throughout historical processes, efforts were made to find ways to prevent pain that led patients to avoid surgical interventions. With the discovery of general anesthesia, the processes of operations became comfortable and safe. Over the years, with technological advancements, general anesthesia has evolved as a method and can be used in various operations as decided by an anesthesiologist today.
What is General Anesthesia?
General Anesthesia can be defined as a state of complete sleep induced with intravenous medication and/or inhaled anesthetic gases. Through this sleep state, necessary operations can be performed by eliminating the sense of pain and movement. The patient, who is put to sleep during a painful surgical procedure, is monitored and treated by an anesthesiologist throughout the procedure and awakened after the general anesthesia.
How is the Decision for General Anesthesia Made?
Unlike local anesthesia, where the patient’s consciousness is entirely closed during the operation, it is the anesthesiologist who decides on the application of the general anesthesia method, considering the patient's overall condition and preference. After the decision for surgery is made, the patient is necessarily evaluated by an anesthesiologist before the operation.
Before making a decision on anesthesia, the patient is examined, necessary test samples are taken, and a meeting with the anesthesiologist is ensured. After this process, the patient's anesthesia risk is determined, and the patient is informed by explaining potential risks. When deemed necessary, consultation from the relevant branch is requested for the patient's additional diseases.
How is General Anesthesia Applied?
The patient, for whom the application of general anesthesia is decided by an anesthesiologist, is taken to the operating room. Necessary devices are connected to the patient to monitor vital functions during the surgery. The patient is induced into a sleep state with medication administered intravenously. After the patient falls asleep, a tube is placed in the trachea to maintain breathing in the sleep state. The patient's sleep state is maintained until the end of the procedure under the supervision of the anesthesiologist.
After the surgery, the release of anesthetic gas is terminated. Oxygen is provided to the patient through the tube until awakening. Once the patient transitions to the awakening state after general anesthesia and reaches sufficient levels of consciousness and breathing, the tube in the trachea is removed by the anesthesiologist.
Who is Not Suitable for General Anesthesia?
The American Society of Anesthesiologists has determined patient risk levels with scores named ASA classification. Within this classification framework, if the patient is in the high-risk group and a decision is made for the general anesthesia method, the anesthesiologist determines potential problems that can be encountered and, after having the necessary consultations for the patient, takes necessary precautions to reduce the risk according to the recommendations of the relevant branches.
The number of patients unsuitable for general anesthesia is quite low. Therefore, although it cannot be said that general anesthesia is unsuitable for a specific group of patients, the decision on who is suitable is made by the anesthesiologist.
What is the Process After General Anesthesia?
Once the operation is successfully completed, the patient's awakening and recovery process begins. Post-general anesthesia, patients are generally kept in a recovery room under the supervision of anesthesiologists for a short period. During this period, the patient’s breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and consciousness level are regularly monitored. When the breathing becomes sufficient and the patient begins responding to their surroundings, the breathing tube placed in their throat is removed.
The effects of general anesthesia can vary from person to person. Symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, nausea shortly after awakening are considered normal. These effects generally pass in a short time, but may last longer in some people. The complete recovery process after anesthesia can vary based on the type of operation and the patient’s general health status.
How is General Anesthesia Eliminated from the Body?
The drugs and gases used during general anesthesia are metabolized and eliminated from the body over time. While a large portion of the anesthetic gases is expelled through respiration, intravenous drugs are removed from the body via the liver and kidneys. The speed of this process depends on the patient's age, weight, general health condition, and organ functions.
To support the body in eliminating anesthetic substances, drinking plenty of water, light walking, and regular breathing exercises are recommended. For patients with insufficient kidney and liver functions, this elimination process can be longer. The anesthesiologist closely monitors this process based on the patient’s condition.
Side Effects After General Anesthesia
As with any medical procedure, some side effects can be experienced after general anesthesia. While side effects are mostly temporary and mild, more serious situations can rarely occur. Common side effects after general anesthesia include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Throat irritation or pain
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Muscle aches
- Memory confusion or temporary confusion
More serious complications include allergic reactions, breathing problems, low blood pressure, or heart rhythm disturbances. Therefore, patients are closely monitored for several hours after the operation.
What is Anesthesia Allergy?
In some patients, rare allergic reactions to anesthetic substances used may develop. This situation is referred to as "anesthesia allergy." These types of reactions can range from mild itching to serious respiratory problems or life-threatening anaphylaxis.
A detailed anesthesia assessment is conducted before the operation for patients at risk of allergy. Previous anesthesia experiences, reactions to medications used, family history, and allergy history are questioned. In risky situations, special precautions are taken to minimize the allergy risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to return to normal life after awakening from general anesthesia?
The recovery process after general anesthesia varies depending on the operation and the patient’s health condition. In small and short-duration operations, the patient may be discharged within a few hours, while after larger surgeries, the patient may be kept under observation in the hospital for a few days. It is normal to experience mild dizziness, fatigue, and concentration problems in the first days.
What can be done to minimize the risks associated with general anesthesia?
The anesthesiologist evaluates the patient's entire medical history to identify potential risks in advance. Factors such as medications used, chronic diseases, allergies, and tobacco-alcohol use play a critical role in anesthesia planning. Additionally, some tests before the operation and consultations with relevant branches, when necessary, help reduce these risks.
Is memory loss experienced after general anesthesia?
In some patients, especially elderly individuals, temporary memory problems can occur after general anesthesia. This condition resolves within a few days. However, some studies suggest that very prolonged or repeated general anesthesia may adversely affect cognitive functions in advanced ages. Therefore, the decision for surgery in risky patients should be made with multidisciplinary evaluation.
Can general anesthesia be applied to pregnant women?
If a mandatory surgical intervention is required during pregnancy, general anesthesia can be applied carefully. The priority is always the safety of the mother and the baby. Avoiding general anesthesia is recommended in the first trimester as it is the period when the baby's organ development continues. The second trimester is considered the safest period for mandatory operations. The anesthesiologist and obstetrician collaborate to minimize the risk.