Journal of Perioperative Medicine
Open Access

Importance of Anesthesia: Types and Mechanism of Action

Jerry Jones^{* *}Correspondence: Jerry Jones, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, USA, Email:

Author info »

Description

Anesthesia plays a vital role in modern medicine, enabling painless surgeries and procedures that would otherwise be unbearable for patients. Behind the scenes, anesthesiologists meticulously select and administer a variety of anesthetic agents to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for patients [1]. In this article, we delve into the world of anesthetic agents, exploring their types, mechanisms of action, and the importance of their careful administration in contemporary surgical practices.

Types of anesthetic agents

Anesthetic agents can be broadly classified into three main categories: General anesthetics, local anesthetics, and regional anesthetics. General anesthetics induce a reversible state of unconsciousness and render the entire body insensible to pain [2]. They are typically administered intravenously or inhaled, and examples include propofol, sevoflurane, and desflurane. Local anesthetics, on the other hand, act selectively on a specific region or area of the body, temporarily blocking nerve conduction and providing pain relief. Lidocaine, bupivacaine, and procaine are commonly used local anesthetics. Regional anesthetics target specific nerve groups or clusters, numbing larger regions of the body while allowing patients to remain awake during the procedure.

Mechanisms of action

General anesthetics exert their effects by modulating various neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system. They enhance the inhibitory neurotransmitter Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and inhibit the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, leading to a decrease in neuronal activity and an overall depressed state [3]. The precise mechanisms of action for different general anesthetics can vary, but their net effect is a reversible loss of consciousness and pain perception.

Local anesthetics work by blocking sodium channels in nerve fibers, preventing the transmission of pain signals from reaching the brain. By infiltrating or injecting local anesthetic agents near the target nerves, anesthesiologists can selectively numb specific areas of the body. Regional anesthetics, such as epidural and spinal anesthesia, involve injecting local anesthetics near the spinal cord, effectively blocking nerve impulses and providing analgesia to larger areas.

Importance of careful administration

The administration of anesthetic agents requires a thorough understanding of the patient's medical history, physical condition, and potential drug interactions [4]. Anesthesiologists carefully evaluate individual patient factors to determine the appropriate dosage, route of administration, and choice of anesthetic agent. Factors such as age, weight, underlying health conditions, and allergies are taken into account to minimize the risks and ensure optimal outcomes.

Patient monitoring during anesthesia is also crucial. Continuous monitoring of vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and end-tidal carbon dioxide levels, helps anesthesiologists maintain the patient's stability throughout the procedure [5]. This vigilance allows for early detection and management of any adverse events that may arise.

Furthermore, advancements in anesthesia technology and techniques have significantly improved patient safety. The development of newer anesthetic agents with shorter duration of action and fewer side effects has reduced the risk of complications. Additionally, the use of sophisticated monitoring devices and patient-controlled analgesia techniques has enhanced the precision and efficacy of anesthesia delivery.

Conclusion

Overall, epidural and caudal anesthesia is valuable tools for pain management during labor and delivery and for certain surgical procedures. They can provide excellent pain relief with minimal systemic side effects and can allow patients to remain awake and alert during surgery. However, they do have some potential disadvantages, such as a drop in blood pressure and interference with mobility and sensation in the lower part of the body. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of regional anesthesia with their healthcare.

References

1. Edrich T, Vlassakov K, Gerner P. Pharmacology anesthetic agents of local. Interventional Spine E-Book: An Algorithmic Approach. 2007;19:137.
2. Makris EM, Makhoul KG, Lee Jr TB, Desai MS. Henry Jacob Bigelow (1818â??1890): A champion for anesthesia and catalyst for the advancement of surgery. Ann Surg Open. 2022;3(1):e118.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

3. Voorhees JR, Cohen-Gadol AA, Spencer DD. Early evolution of neurological surgery: Conquering increased intracranial pressure, infection, and blood loss. Neurosurg Focus. 2005;18(4):1-5.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

4. Marx GF. The first spinal anesthesia: Who deserves the laurels? Reg Anesth Pain Med. 1994;19(6):429-30.

   [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

5. Greenblatt SH. The crucial decade: Modern neurosurgery's definitive development in Harvey Cushing's early research and practice, 1900 to 1910. J Neurosurg 1997;87(6):964-71.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]