General anaesthesia

General anaesthesia (pronounced: /ˈdʒɛnərəl ˌænɪsˈθiːziə/) is a medically induced state of unconsciousness, typically administered to allow medical procedures to be undertaken without the distress and pain they would cause to an awake, conscious patient.

Etymology

The term "anaesthesia" is derived from the Greek words "an-", meaning "without", and "-aesthesia", meaning "sensation". The prefix "general-" indicates that the anaesthesia affects the entire body.

Procedure

General anaesthesia is typically administered through either intravenous injection or inhalation of anaesthetic gases. The process involves three main stages: induction, maintenance, and emergence.

Induction is the process of administering the anaesthetic and making the patient unconscious.
Maintenance involves keeping the patient unconscious for the duration of the procedure.
Emergence is the process of bringing the patient back to consciousness after the procedure is complete.

Related Terms

Local anaesthesia - A type of anaesthesia that numbs a small part of the body for minor procedures.
Regional anaesthesia - A type of anaesthesia that blocks pain in an area of the body, such as an arm or leg.
Sedation - The reduction of irritability or agitation by administration of sedative substances or medications.
Analgesia - The inability to feel pain while still conscious.

Risks and Complications

While general anaesthesia is generally safe, it does carry some risks, particularly for individuals with certain pre-existing health conditions. Potential complications can include postoperative nausea and vomiting, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, and in rare cases, anaesthesia awareness.