General Anesthesia: Common Yet Complex in Surgeries and Obstetrics
General anesthesia, a common procedure in surgeries, ensures patients feel no pain and have no memory of the operation. It's often used in emergencies and cesarean deliveries, but rarely during vaginal births due to its effects on consciousness.
General anesthesia induces five key states: analgesia (pain relief), amnesia (loss of memory), unconsciousness, paralysis, and reduced autonomic responses. However, it also carries risks such as difficulty placing an endotracheal tube, toxicity from anesthetic drugs, respiratory depression in newborns, and fetal lethargy. The process involves medication via IV drip, oxygen through a mask, and an endotracheal tube down the windpipe to aid breathing and prevent aspiration.
Post-surgery, common side effects include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, sore throat, shivering, and sleepiness. Anesthesia awareness, where patients wake up during surgery, is a rare but distressing complication. It increases the risk of aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia or other health issues. In obstetrics, common complications include respiratory and cardiac problems, aspiration risk, airway obstruction, and managing blood pressure and physiological changes during pregnancy.
General anesthesia, while providing complete pain relief and quick application in emergencies, also presents various risks and side effects. It's crucial for patients to understand these aspects before undergoing surgery, especially in obstetrics where the mother's and baby's health are at stake.
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