What Is Anesthesia? Types, Side Effects and Preoperative Preparation

What Is Anesthesia?

Anesthesia is a medical procedure that prevents the patient from feeling pain during surgical interventions. This procedure prevents pain by either causing loss of consciousness or numbing a specific part of the body. Anesthesia provides patient comfort during surgical interventions and other medical procedures.

How Many Types of Anesthesia Are There and What Are They?

Anesthesia has two main types: general anesthesia and local anesthesia.

1. General Anesthesia: General anesthetic drugs are used for their depressant and suppressive effects on the central nervous system. Without changing the patient’s vital functions, temporary loss of consciousness, reduced reflex activity and loss of pain sensation are achieved. Muscle relaxation is also a component of general anesthesia and is provided with medications.
2. Local Anesthesia: It is achieved by temporarily stopping nerve conduction in a specific area of the body. Loss of consciousness does not occur.

Local anesthesia also has different types. These include:

• Topical Anesthesia: It is used topically before endoscopic interventions, in ear-nose-throat examinations and in eye examinations by applying medications to the skin or mucosa.
• Infiltration Anesthesia: A small amount of local anesthetic is injected with a syringe to create anesthesia in a small area.
• Nerve Blocks: These may be administered as central blocks and peripheral blocks.

Central Block

Central block is divided into spinal and epidural anesthesia.

1. What Is Spinal Anesthesia? It is a type of anesthesia performed by injecting anesthetic medication into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord through an injection in the lower back. It provides temporary numbness below the waist. It is commonly used in cesarean delivery or surgical interventions performed on the lower body. It is frequently preferred because it acts quickly and provides deep numbness.
2. What Is Epidural Anesthesia? It is a method performed by administering anesthetic medication in a controlled way through a thin catheter placed into the epidural space around the spinal cord. It is commonly used for pain control during childbirth. It relieves pain while the patient remains conscious.

Peripheral Block: Local anesthetic medication is injected into peripheral nerve roots. Methods such as axillary and brachial blocks may be included in this group.

The correct type of anesthesia is determined by the anesthesiologist according to the patient’s health condition and the characteristics of the planned procedure.

Who Can Receive Anesthesia and Who May Not Be Suitable?

Healthy individuals, people whose preoperative tests are suitable and patients who require surgical procedures can receive anesthesia.

People with serious health problems such as heart, lung or kidney failure, those with a history of severe allergic reactions and some pregnancy-related situations may carry anesthesia-related risks. A special evaluation is required for these patients.

How Is It Decided Whether Surgery Will Be Performed With Local or General Anesthesia?

Local or general anesthesia is selected by considering the type and duration of the surgery, the patient’s health condition and medications used.

How Is the Amount of Anesthesia Determined?

The amount of anesthesia is determined by the anesthesiologist according to the patient’s age, weight, health condition and the type of surgery to be performed. A personalized plan is created for each patient and anesthesia is administered at a safe dose.

What Should Be Done Before Receiving Anesthesia?

Preparations are very important for the anesthesia process to proceed smoothly and for possible complications to be prevented.

1. Food and water should be stopped 6-8 hours beforehand.
2. The medical history should be shared with the anesthesiologist. Information such as allergies and chronic diseases is very important.
3. Medication use should be considered carefully. If you use medications such as blood thinners, they may need to be stopped before anesthesia. You should consult your doctor to learn which medications you should take.
4. If herbal supplements are being taken before anesthesia, these supplements should be stopped. Herbal products that thin the blood in particular may cause serious problems.
5. Stopping smoking and alcohol use before anesthesia reduces anesthesia-related risks and accelerates postoperative recovery.
6. Nail polish and makeup may affect the anesthesiologist’s ability to assess oxygen status through the skin and nails. Therefore, nail polish should be removed and makeup should be cleaned before anesthesia.

What Are the Side Effects of Anesthesia?

Although anesthesia is generally a safe medical practice, some side effects may occur. Side effects may vary depending on the type of anesthesia used and the patient’s health condition.

1. Nausea and Vomiting: This is a common side effect after general anesthesia. It usually resolves within the first few hours after surgery.
2. Dizziness and Drowsiness: Temporary dizziness or confusion may occur after anesthesia.
3. Sore Throat: The intubation tube used during general anesthesia may cause irritation in the throat.
4. Muscle Aches: Postoperative muscle aches may be felt especially due to muscle relaxants used during general anesthesia.
5. Low Blood Pressure and Heart Problems: Low blood pressure or heart rhythm-related problems may occur in some patients.
6. Prolonged Confusion: In older patients, confusion lasting a few days after general anesthesia may rarely occur.

The anesthesiologist evaluates risks before surgery, takes appropriate precautions and minimizes these side effects.

What Should Be Considered After Anesthesia?

• Being under medical supervision throughout the waking process,
• Not getting out of bed suddenly and being careful against dizziness,
• Consuming light foods recommended by the doctor,
• Consulting a doctor immediately if nausea, severe pain or other side effects occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. Mayo Clinic. Anesthesia - Overview and Risks
2. MedlinePlus. Anesthesia
3. Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation. What are the Types of Anesthesia?