Anaesthesia

general anaesthesia (AmE: anesthesia) is a state of total unconsciousness resulting from general anaesthetic drugs.

general anesthesia in its most general form can include:

• Analgesia: blocking the conscious sensation of pain;
• Hypnosis: producing unconsciousness;
• Amnesia: preventing memory formation;
• Paralysis: preventing unwanted movement or muscle tone;
• Obtundation of reflexes, preventing exaggerated autonomic reflexes.

General anaesthesia is a complex procedure involving:

• Preanaesthetic assessment
• Administration of general anaesthetic drugs
• Cardiorespiratory monitoring
• Analgesia
• Airway management
• Fluid management
• Postoperative pain relief