Anesthesia what is used

Wyant, MD Stan L. Davis, MD Jennifer A. Analgesics Pain Relievers An analgesic is a medication that helps to relieve pain. It is administered either as an intravenous or as an intramuscular injection.

This class of analgesic is not as commonly used in the operative setting because it has the potential to increase the risk of bleeding following some procedures. Narcotics : This class of analgesics are very potent pain relievers. These drugs can be administered by several different modalities, including IV, oral or transdermal skin patch. Anesthesiologists administer these drugs intra-operative during surgery and post-operatively after surgery to help control pain.

It numbs a small area, and you are alert and awake. Skip to content All types of anesthesia are administered to keep you comfortable and pain-free during surgery, medical procedures, or tests. General Anesthesia General anesthesia is used for major operations, such as a knee replacement or open-heart surgery, and causes you to lose consciousness.

The anesthesiologist or anesthetist will need to carefully monitor your breathing during and after your surgery. Before you undergo general anesthesia, your anesthesiologist will talk with you and may ask questions about:. Your anesthesiologist usually delivers the anesthesia medications through an intravenous line in your arm.

Sometimes you may be given a gas that you breathe from a mask. Children may prefer to go to sleep with a mask. Once you're asleep, the anesthesiologist may insert a tube into your mouth and down your windpipe. The tube ensures that you get enough oxygen and protects your lungs from blood or other fluids, such as stomach fluids.

You'll be given muscle relaxants before doctors insert the tube to relax the muscles in your windpipe. Your doctor may use other options, such as a laryngeal airway mask, to help manage your breathing during surgery.

Someone from the anesthesia care team monitors you continuously while you sleep. He or she will adjust your medications, breathing, temperature, fluids and blood pressure as needed. Any issues that occur during the surgery are corrected with additional medications, fluids and, sometimes, blood transfusions.

When the surgery is complete, the anesthesiologist reverses the medications to wake you up. You'll slowly wake either in the operating room or the recovery room.

You'll probably feel groggy and a little confused when you first wake. You may experience common side effects such as:.

You may also experience other side effects after you awaken from anesthesia, such as pain. Your anesthesia care team will ask you about your pain and other side effects. Side effects depend on your individual condition and the type of surgery. Your doctor may give you medications after your procedure to reduce pain and nausea.

Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. During surgery, the physician anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs to make sure they are normal and steady while you remain unconscious and free of pain.

Once your surgery is complete, your physician anesthesiologist will reverse the medication and be with you as you return to consciousness, continually monitoring your breathing, circulation, and oxygen levels.

Some patients feel fine as they wake up; others experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or chills. Your throat may be sore from the breathing tube.