General Anaesthesia

Overview

General anaesthesia makes you completely unconscious during a surgery. You do not feel pain and will not be able to recall the surgery. The type of general anaesthesia given will depend on a number of factors such as the type of surgery, your overall health, your medication history and your previous experience with anaesthesia. General anaesthesia normally involves the use of a combination of inhaled gases and intravenous medications. It takes effect quickly and you usually lose consciousness within a minute. You will be given some muscle relaxant and a tube will be inserted to your mouth down your airways to ensure adequate oxygen supply. The anaesthetic drug will be adjusted from time to time and your vital signs will be montinored. After the surgery, the drug will be stopped and you will recover slowly. Some side effects you may experience are nausea, vomiting, confusion, dizziness and sore throat.