Anaesthesia is a procedure in which a surgeon uses anaesthetics to make the patient numb so that they do not feel the pain during surgery. It is a safe procedure, and the patient comes back to consciousness a few moments after surgery. 

Medical students preapraing for the NEET PG exam must have a comprehensive knowledge of this procedure, its types, risks and uses. Keep reading for a detailed insight into anaesthesia. 

What is Anaesthesia? 

The procedure of giving anaesthetic medicines that do not let the patient feel any pain at the time of surgery is called anaesthesia. These medicines block an individual’s sensory signals temporarily from their nerves to the brain during the surgical procedure.

The function of anaesthesia varies depending on its type. Some anaesthetics numb only specific body parts, while others numb the brain. This helps the individual to sleep during the invasive surgical process. 

What are the Different Types of Anaesthesia and Their Uses?

Anaesthesia is of the following types, depending on the method of surgery and the patient’s health:

1. Local Anaesthesia

To numb the pain of a specific body part, doctors use local anaesthesia. In this type, the patient remains fully conscious, and anaesthesia is injected into the particular area during minor surgery. If a large part of your body needs numbing or an injection does not work well, anaesthetics are absorbed into the skin instead of an injection.

2. Regional Anaesthesia

This type of anaesthesia is used only in the body part that needs surgical intervention. In this procedure, the doctors first inject local anaesthesia into the nerves of the specific body part. After that, regional anaesthesia is injected into the body. Regional anaesthesia is available in 2 forms:

1. Spinal Anaesthetic

This type of anaesthesia is used to numb the lower part of the body, such as pelvic, lower abdominal, rectal, or lower extremity surgery. The doctors will inject a single dose of anaesthetic around the spinal cord in the lower back. Spinal anaesthesia causes numbness in the lower body and is mainly used for hip or leg surgery.

2. Epidural Anaesthesia

It is mainly used during labour and delivery or for lower limb surgery. This type of medication is administered continuously through a catheter, a thin tube. The lower back area surrounding the spinal cord is where the catheter is inserted.

It results in lower body numbness. Additionally, an epidural might be used during abdominal or chest surgery. The medication is administered in this instance at a higher location in the back. As a result, the chest and abdomen become numb.

3. General Anaesthesia

This anaesthetic puts the individual in a sleep-like state before surgery. Doctors make the patient inhale the anaesthetic through a breathing tube or mask. General anaesthesia is also given through an intravenous (IV) line by inserting a breathing tube into the patient’s windpipe. This procedure helps the patient breathe while the surgery is going on, and the medicine is stopped after the surgery is over.  

4. Sedation Anaesthesia

Sedation uses low doses of anaesthetic drugs to create a relaxed, drowsy state, but you remain conscious. While it often results in little or no memory of the procedure, it doesn’t guarantee complete amnesia. Only a general anaesthetic can ensure you are fully unconscious and have no recollection of the operation or procedure.

What are the Risks of Anaesthesia?

While anaesthesia is generally safe, especially when administered by trained professionals, there are certain risks and side effects that patients should be aware of. These risks can vary based on individual health conditions, age, and the type of procedure.

Here are some of the risks and complications of anaesthesia:

• Heart and Breathing Problems

Anaesthesia can sometimes cause irregular heart rhythms or breathing difficulties, particularly in people with pre-existing heart or lung conditions.

• Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to anaesthetic drugs, which can range from mild skin rashes to severe, life-threatening responses.

• Delirium or Confusion

Especially in older adults, anaesthesia may lead to confusion or delirium after surgery. This state of mental confusion can last for several days and is also occasionally seen in children upon waking from anaesthesia.

• Awareness During Surgery

Rarely, a patient may become partially aware during general anaesthesia, hearing sounds or feeling sensations. Complete awareness of pain is extremely uncommon but can be distressing.

• Serious Complications

In rare cases, anaesthesia may contribute to heart attack, stroke, or pneumonia, especially in elderly patients or those with chronic illnesses.

• Increased Risk Factors

Conditions such as obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, kidney disease, alcoholism, smoking, drug allergies, and seizure disorders can increase the likelihood of complications.

• Respiratory Issues

People with sleep apnea or lung disease may be at higher risk of breathing problems during and after anaesthesia.

Despite these risks, most patients undergo anaesthesia without significant problems. Careful assessment and monitoring by the medical team help minimise these risks and ensure patient safety.

What Precautions are Needed Before an Anaesthesia?

Before surgery, it’s essential to provide the healthcare provider with a complete and up-to-date list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements the patient is currently using. This is because some can interact with anaesthesia or raise the risk of complications. 

Here are some of the tips to follow:

• Avoid eating or drinking for at least eight hours before your procedure unless instructed otherwise.
• Quit smoking, even a day before surgery, improves heart and lung health and reduces complications.
• Stop herbal supplements one to two weeks before surgery, as advised.
• Avoid medications for erectile dysfunction, like Viagra,® for at least 24 hours before your operation.
• If you take blood pressure medication, only take those approved by your healthcare provider, and do so with a small sip of water. 

FAQs About Anaesthesia

1. How long does the effect of anaesthesia last?

Anaesthetic drugs may remain in your body for up to 24 hours, so avoid working or driving during this period after sedation or general anaesthesia. With local anaesthesia, normal activities are usually fine if your doctor approves.

2. Does anaesthesia work like painkillers?

Anaesthesia is not technically a painkiller; it blocks all sensation, not just pain. Analgesics, or painkillers, provide pain relief without causing loss of sensation or consciousness, whereas anaesthesia results in loss of physical sensation, sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness.

3. Does anaesthesia affect breastfeeding?

Anaesthesia is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers and their babies, as most anaesthetic drugs leave the body quickly. You can usually resume breastfeeding once you are awake and alert. 

Conclusion

Anaesthesia is a safe process that keeps some part of your body numb or makes you unconscious for a specific period during the surgery. It is an essential part of the NEET PG syllabus that every student must cover. 

With DocTutorials, you can get complete guidance on anaesthesia and other topics of the NEET PG syllabus. Our comprehensive notes, video lectures, and periodic assessments will assist you in securing the best grades.

For further details, join our NEET PG course today!