What is general anesthesia?

General anesthesia uses medicines that make you unconscious. It affects your whole body.

When it's used, you will be unaware. You won't feel pain during the procedure. It also causes you to forget things from right before, during, and right after the procedure.

It also affects many of your body's normal functions, such as those that control breathing. So you will be watched closely. Your body's functions will get support to keep you safe.

General anesthesia medicine is often started through a needle in a vein (intravenous, or I.V.). It may also be inhaled.

An anesthesia specialist will adjust your medicines as needed. They will also closely watch your heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, and other vital functions. A soft tube or other device in the back of your throat is usually used to give you an inhaled anesthetic and oxygen. It also helps to control and assist your breathing.