Current herbal supplements. Certain herbal products, commonly taken by millions of Americans, may cause changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and may increase bleeding in some patients. The popular herbs gingko biloba, garlic, ginger, and ginseng may lead to excess blood loss by preventing blood clots from forming. In addition, St. John's wort, and kava kava, may prolong the sedative effect of the anesthetic. The American Society of Anesthesiologists advises anyone planning to have surgery to stop taking all herbal supplements at least 2 to 3 weeks before surgery to rid the body of these substances.
Any known allergies. Discussing any known allergies with the anesthesiologist is very important, as some anesthetic drugs trigger cross-allergies, particularly in people who have allergies to eggs and soy products.
Allergies to both foods and drugs should be identified. All recent and current prescription and over-the-counter medicines. It is also important to let your surgeon and anesthesiologist know about both prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines you are taking, or have recently taken. Certain prescription medicines, such as coumadin, a blood thinner, must be discontinued for some time before surgery.
In addition, as many people take a daily aspirin to prevent heart attack, and certain dietary supplements, doctors need to be aware of these habits, as they can prolong bleeding and interfere with medicines used by anesthesiologists. Cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol. Cigarette smoking and alcohol can affect your body just as strongly and sometimes more strongly than many prescription medicines you may be taking.
Because of the way cigarettes and alcohol affect the lungs, heart, liver, and blood, these substances can change the way an anesthetic drug works during surgery. It is important to let your surgeon and anesthesiologist know about your past, recent, and current consumption of these substances before surgery. Undergoing surgery can be a good motivator to quit smoking. Most hospitals are smoke-free and doctors, nurses, and other health professionals will be there to give you support.
In addition, you will heal and recover faster, especially in the incision area, or if your operation involves any bones. Smoking cessation before surgery also decreases pulmonary complications after surgery, such as pneumonia. Quitting smoking also reduces your risk of heart disease, lung disease, and cancer. Use of street drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, or amphetamines.
People are often reluctant to disclose the use of illegal drug, but you should remember that all conversations between you and your surgeon and anesthesiologist are confidential. It is crucial that he or she know about your past, recent, and current use of these substances, as these drugs can effect healing, and responses to anesthesia.
It is important to keep in mind that the only interest your doctor has in this information is learning enough about your physical condition to provide you with the safest anesthesia possible. Because anesthesia and surgery affect every system in the body, the anesthesiologist will conduct a preoperative interview. Sometimes this is done in person; in other cases, the anesthesiologist will interview you over the phone.
During this interview, the anesthesiologist will review your medical history, as well as discuss the information mentioned above. He or she will also inform you about what to expect during your surgery and discuss anesthetic choices with you. Possible side effects include:. A number of more serious complications are associated with general anaesthetics, but these are rare. Serious problems are more likely if you're having major or emergency surgery, you have any other illnesses, you smoke, or you're overweight.
Your anaesthetist will discuss the risks with you before your operation. You should try to stop smoking or drinking alcohol in the weeks before surgery, as doing so will reduce your risk of developing complications.
You may also be advised to lose weight and increase your activity levels in the weeks before surgery, if you can. Doing this could reduce any possible risks or complications. In most cases, the benefits of being pain-free during an operation outweigh the risks. As well as general anaesthetic, there are several other types of anaesthetic, which can be used for certain procedures.
They include:. Page last reviewed: 21 June Next review due: 21 June General anaesthesia. How general anaesthetics are given Before having an operation, you'll meet a specialist doctor called an anaesthetist to discuss which anaesthetic is most suitable for you. This is called a preoperative assessment, when the anaesthetist will: discuss the type or types of anaesthetic that are suitable for you explain the risks of anaesthesia agree a plan with you for your anaesthetic and pain control afterwards The anaesthetist will look at your medical history and ask whether anyone in your family has had problems with anaesthesia.
They'll also ask about your general health and lifestyle, including whether you: have any allergies smoke or drink alcohol are taking any other medicine The anaesthetist can answer any questions you have. Before and during your operation Just before you have surgery, you'll usually be taken to a room where your anaesthetist will give you the general anaesthetic.
It may take a day or two for the anesthesia medication to completely leave your system, so you may be sleepy, and your reflexes and judgment may be affected.
Physician anesthesiologists are the most highly skilled medical experts in anesthesia care, pain management, and critical care medicine, with the education and training that can mean the difference between life and death. Skip to content. General Anesthesia While there are many types and levels of anesthesia — medication to keep you from feeling pain during surgery — general anesthesia is most commonly used for major operations, such as knee and hip replacements, heart surgeries , and many types of surgical procedures to treat cancer.
How does general anesthesia work?
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