Journal of Perioperative Medicine
Open Access

General Anesthesia: Discussion of Risks and Benefits of Anesthesia

Beverley Orser^{* *}Correspondence: Beverley Orser, Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, Email:

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Description

General anesthesia is a medical procedure in which a patient is put into a deep sleep state, rendering them unconscious and unaware of the surgical procedure or other medical interventions being performed on their body. The use of general anesthesia has revolutionized modern medicine by allowing doctors and surgeons to perform complex and invasive procedures on patients without causing them pain or distress. However, general anesthesia is not without risks, and its administration requires careful consideration of the patient's medical history, physical condition, and other factors[1].

One of the primary benefits of general anesthesia is that it allows patients to undergo surgery or other medical procedures without experiencing pain or discomfort. This is achieved by inducing a deep sleep state through the use of powerful anesthetic drugs that are carefully dosed and monitored throughout the procedure. Patients are also typically given additional medications to manage their pain and other symptoms after the procedure is complete[2-4].

Another benefit of general anesthesia is that it allows surgeons and other medical professionals to perform complex and invasive procedures that would otherwise be impossible or too painful for patients to tolerate. This includes procedures such as open-heart surgery, organ transplants, and other major surgeries that can only be performed under deep anesthesia[5-8].

However, general anesthesia is not without risks, and its use must be carefully considered and monitored to minimize the likelihood of complications. One of the most significant risks associated with general anesthesia is the potential for adverse reactions to the drugs used to induce and maintain the deep sleep state. These reactions can range from mild side effects such as nausea and dizziness to more serious complications such as respiratory distress or cardiac arrest[9,10].

Another risk associated with general anesthesia is the Potential for Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD), a condition in which patients experience cognitive deficits such as memory loss, confusion, or difficulty concentrating after undergoing anesthesia. While the precise causes of POCD are not fully understood, it is believed to be related to the effects of the anesthetic drugs on the brain, as well as other factors such as age, underlying medical conditions, and the duration and intensity of the anesthesia.

During the administration of general anesthesia, medical professionals must carefully monitor the patient's vital signs and adjust the dosage of the anesthetic drugs as necessary to ensure that the patient remains in a deep sleep state without experiencing adverse reactions. This typically involves the use of specialized equipment such as pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitors, and electrocardiograms to monitor the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.

After the procedure is complete, patients may experience a range of postoperative symptoms such as pain, nausea, and dizziness, which can be managed with medications and other interventions. Patients should also be monitored for signs of complications such as bleeding, infection, or respiratory distress, and provided with appropriate follow-up care to ensure a smooth recovery. During the administration of general anesthesia, medical professionals must carefully monitor the patient's vital signs and adjust the dosage of the anesthetic drugs as necessary to ensure that the patient remains in a deep sleep state without experiencing adverse reactions. This typically involves the use of specialized equipment such as pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitors, and electrocardiograms to monitor the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.

Conclusion

To minimize the risks associated with general anesthesia, doctors and other medical professionals must carefully assess the patient's medical history, physical condition, and other factors before administering the anesthesia. This includes performing a thorough medical evaluation to identify any underlying medical conditions that may increase the patient's risk of complications. Additionally, patients should be informed of the risks and benefits of the procedure, and provided with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the anesthesia, including fasting requirements and other precautions.

References

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