General Anesthesia: Patient Guide and Explanation

This is a general explanation of general anesthesia.
Please note that there may be some differences depending on the type of surgery and your overall health condition.

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Before Your Surgery

Once your surgery is scheduled, please follow the instructions carefully and take care of your health.

If you catch a cold, it is safer to postpone the surgery for a few weeks.
Please contact us if you experience any health issues.

You may eat dinner as usual the day before surgery.
However, you must not eat anything after that until the surgery is completed.
Please avoid snacks and other foods as well.

Regarding fluids: In some cases, drinking water may be allowed under specific conditions.
If you have not received instructions, please check with your provider.

On the Day of Surgery

You will be guided to the operating room. You may walk, use a wheelchair, or be transported on a stretcher depending on your condition.

Once you arrive, you will lie on the operating table. Preparation will begin:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Blood pressure monitor
• Oxygen monitor

If you do not already have an intravenous (IV) line, one will be inserted now.

Once preparation is complete, an oxygen mask will be placed on your face. The mask usually delivers only oxygen.

When the anesthesiologist informs you that you will fall asleep soon, an anesthetic will be administered through your IV.

You may feel slight tingling or cough briefly; this is normal due to the medication.
From this point, you will not be aware of anything.

During Anesthesia

Once asleep, the anesthesiologist will use a metal instrument called a laryngoscope to insert a breathing tube into your throat.

This tube will be connected to a ventilator to support your breathing during surgery.

During this process, the laryngoscope may touch your teeth, potentially causing chipping, breaking, or lip injury.
Protective mouthpieces are used to reduce this risk.

In some surgeries, a nasogastric (NG) tube may be inserted, which can sometimes cause nasal bleeding.

Risks and Complications of General Anesthesia

Although rare, general anesthesia carries risks such as:

• Malignant hyperthermia
• Anaphylactic shock
• Pulmonary embolism

In addition, pre-existing conditions may cause:

• Severe drops in blood pressure
• Respiratory dysfunction

The risk of death is approximately 1 in 250,000 overall.
The risk is lower for healthy patients and higher for those with medical conditions.

Managing Complications

If any complications occur, they will be managed using:

• Medications
• Medical equipment
• Specialist consultation

If there is significant blood loss, a blood transfusion may be needed.

If your condition is unstable post-surgery, you may be transferred to the ICU (intensive care unit) instead of a general hospital room.

In any emergency, all necessary life-saving steps will be taken.

After the Surgery

The breathing tube is usually removed in the operating room before you fully wake up.

Once you're stable, you will be moved back to your hospital room.

Due to the breathing tube, you may have:

• Sore throat
• Discomfort
• Hoarseness

These usually resolve in a few days, but ENT consultation may be needed in rare cases.

You may also notice temporary tape marks on your skin.

If you experience throat pain, wound pain, nausea, chills, or numbness, contact the medical staff immediately.

Postoperative Precautions

Even after surgery, there may be risks such as:

• Aspiration pneumonia
• Prolonged localized numbness

Follow your doctor’s instructions and engage in rehabilitation within safe limits.

Conclusion

This concludes the explanation.
Thank you for your attention.