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

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

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

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

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.

See also

• Local anaesthesia
• Regional anaesthesia
• Sedation

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