Information on the first application of general anesthesia, which is often used for long surgeries or those with very pain, dates back to Ancient Greece in 1200 BC. However, its scientific use has been in the second half of the 19th century. So, what is general anesthesia and not to whom? All the curious details are in our news …
WHAT IS GENERAL ANESTHESIA?
General anesthesia is to put patients to sleep for any painful surgical procedure and to wake them up at the end of the procedure. It does not respond to brain pain signals or reflexes under general anesthesia, which resembles a deep sleep state. It usually uses intravenous drugs and gases together. Besides loss of consciousness and anesthesia, amnesia (forgetfulness) and muscle relaxation are also provided.
There are two basic anesthetics used in general anesthesia; inhalation and intravenous anesthetic drugs. Inhalation (inhaled) anesthesia drugs are also called volatile anesthetics (volatile). Volatile anesthetics reach the tissues by mixing from the lungs (through respiration) into the blood. Today, inhalation anesthetics are not used alone, they are used together with intravenous anesthetics. To the combination of inhalation and intravenous anesthetic, opioids (morphine derivative) for pain relief and neuromuscular blockers for muscle relaxation (paralysis) are often added. This type of anesthesia is called balanced anesthesia.
Although the risk of serious complications from general anesthesia is low, there may be a heart attack, stroke, brain damage, and death. The risk of complications depends in part on the patient’s age, sex, weight, allergies, general health, history of smoking, alcohol or drug use.
Who does not apply general anesthesia?
General anesthesia is generally very safe; Most people with significant health problems may receive general anesthesia without any serious problems. However, general anesthesia may present some risks in advanced heart and lung diseases, especially in patients with respiratory problems. Nerve cells that do not function in this process inhibit the functions of organs. In addition, general anesthesia is not performed for patients with respiratory problems. General anesthesia may present some risks in advanced heart and lung diseases. At the same time, general anesthesia is not required for limb, abdomen and regional diseases. Some intra-abdominal surgeries can be performed with epidural anesthesia by inserting a needle through the groin or by inserting a catheter.
