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Surgery

GENERAL ANESTHESIA

Learn more about general anesthesia, how it works and possible side effects.

OVERVIEW OF GENERAL ANESTHESIA

  • This type of anesthesia is used to keep you safe and pain-free during major operations that require you to be totally asleep or unconscious

  • Your nurse anesthetist will be with you the entire time and will monitor you closely to keep you safe and comfortable

  • IV medications as well as anesthetic gases or vapors are given to keep you asleep, treat pain and nausea and relax your muscles

  • A breathing tube or laryngeal mask may be inserted and connected to a ventilator to assist in your breathing

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HOW GENERAL ANESTHESIA WORKS

  • Once in the operating room, you are given a mask to breathe into to increase your oxygen level before surgery

  • A CRNA will then administer medications through your IV and within minutes you will be asleep

  • Certain IV medications may cause slight discomfort as they enter your vein

  • After you are asleep, your CRNA will place a tube in your windpipe to help you breathe

  • Medicines are delivered through your IV line and/or you may breathe anesthetic gas that keeps you asleep

GENERAL ANESTHESIA RISKS & POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

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Breathing problems

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Nausea and vomiting

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Sore throat or hoarseness (usually temporary)

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Dry Mouth

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Allergic reaction to the anesthetic

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Irregular heartbeat (rare)

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Cardiac arrest (rare)

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Muscle aches

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Sleepiness

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