The breathing tube inserted during general anesthesia can also prevent stomach contents from entering your lungs. After surgery using general anesthesia, a common side effect is nausea and vomiting. Most of the time, this can be treated and doesn't last long. Also, some people have a sore throat or hoarseness from the breathing tube inserted after the person is unconscious.
Inserting the breathing tube can sometimes cause damage to a person's mouth or teeth, but this is uncommon. Some people who are going to have general anesthesia express concern that they will not be completely unconscious but will "wake up" and have some awareness during the surgical procedure.
But awareness during general anesthesia is very rare. Anesthesia specialists devote careful attention and use many methods to prevent this. Freedman MD - Anesthesiology. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. Things that may seem harmless could interact with or affect the anesthesia and how you react to it.
You also can ask plenty of your own questions. If you don't meet the anesthesiologist before the day of the operation, you may want to ask your doctor or surgeon the following questions beforehand so you can have all the answers you need:.
You might be given a sedative before going into the operating room, but for minor procedures, this might not be needed. In fact, some people may prefer not to be sedated. The decision of whether or not to sedate you beforehand is made by the anesthesiologist, using your input.
If general anesthesia is used, the anesthesiologist will start transitioning you from the normal awake state to the sleepy state of anesthesia. This is called induction , which is usually done by either injecting medicine through an IV or by inhaling gases through a mask.
If, like lots of people, you're afraid of needles, the good news is that you may not have to get one while awake. Anesthesiologists often will begin the induction process by using a breathing mask to help you relax. The mask delivers medication to make you sleepy before and during the surgery. That way, you won't be awake when the IV is inserted for general anesthesia or when a shot is given to numb a certain part or area of the body for local or regional anesthesia.
When using general anesthesia, the anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs, continue to deliver anesthesia, and keep you as comfortable as possible throughout the operation.
Once the operation or procedure is over, you'll be taken to the recovery room or PACU post-anesthesia care unit. In the PACU, nurses and the anesthesiologist will monitor your condition very closely to make sure you are making a smooth and comfortable transition from an anesthetized state to an awakened state. If you had general anesthesia or were sedated, don't expect to be fully awake right away — it may take a while and you may doze off for a bit.
It usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour to recover completely from general anesthesia. In some cases, this period may be a bit longer depending on medications given during or after surgery.
Although every person has a different experience, you may feel groggy, confused, chilly, nauseated, scared, alarmed, or even sad as you wake up. Depending on the procedure or surgery, you may also have some pain and discomfort afterward, which the anesthesiologist can relieve with medications. When you have recovered from the anesthesia, you'll be evaluated to make sure you're ready to leave the recovery room. General anesthesia is overall very safe; most people, even those with significant health conditions, are able to undergo general anesthesia itself without serious problems.
In fact, your risk of complications is more closely related to the type of procedure you're undergoing and your general physical health, rather than to the type of anesthesia. Older adults, or those with serious medical problems, particularly those undergoing more extensive procedures, may be at increased risk of postoperative confusion, pneumonia, or even stroke and heart attack. Specific conditions that can increase your risk of complications during surgery include:. Estimates vary, but about 1 or 2 people in every 1, may be partially awake during general anesthesia and experience what is called unintended intraoperative awareness.
It is even rarer to experience pain, but this can occur as well. Because of the muscle relaxants given before surgery, people are unable to move or speak to let doctors know that they are awake or experiencing pain. For some patients, this may cause long-term psychological problems, similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. This phenomenon is so rare that it's difficult to make clear connections. Some factors that may be involved include:.
General anesthesia relaxes the muscles in your digestive tract and airway that keep food and acid from passing from your stomach into your lungs. Always follow your doctor's instructions about avoiding food and drink before surgery. Fasting is usually necessary starting about six hours before your surgery. You may be able to drink clear fluids until a few hours prior. Your doctor may tell you to take some of your regular medications with a small sip of water during your fasting time.
Discuss your medications with your doctor. You may need to avoid some medications, such as aspirin and some other over-the-counter blood thinners, for at least a week before your procedure. These medications may cause complications during surgery. Some vitamins and herbal remedies, such as ginseng, garlic, Ginkgo biloba, St. John's wort, kava and others, may cause complications during surgery. Discuss the types of dietary supplements you take with your doctor before your surgery. If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about any changes to your medications during the fasting period.
Usually you won't take oral diabetes medication the morning of your surgery. If you take insulin, your doctor may recommend a reduced dose. If you have sleep apnea, discuss your condition with your doctor. 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.
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