General anaesthesia

General anaesthesia is a controlled, reversible drug-induced state of unconsciousness used to prevent awareness during procedures. It commonly combines hypnosis with amnesia, pain control, and suppression of movement or reflexes.

Propofol: An intravenous anaesthetic drug that produces rapid unconsciousness and is commonly used for induction and maintenance. Its rapid onset and short-lived effects make it a common way to induce general anaesthesia.
Consciousness: The state of being aware of oneself and the surrounding environment. General anaesthesia deliberately suppresses conscious awareness.
Intravenous anaesthesia: Anaesthesia induced and maintained primarily with drugs delivered intravenously. This technique can provide general anaesthesia without inhaled maintenance agents.
Local anaesthesia: Temporary loss of sensation in a limited body area caused by blocking nerve conduction. It numbs a region while leaving consciousness intact.
Postoperative nausea and vomiting: Nausea or vomiting occurring after surgery, often influenced by anaesthetic drugs and patient factors. It is a common recovery complication that anaesthetic choices can reduce.
Volatile anaesthetic: An inhaled drug that produces anaesthesia, including agents such as sevoflurane and isoflurane. Inhaled agents can maintain unconsciousness and be adjusted through the breathing circuit.
Analgesia: Reduction or absence of pain without necessarily causing unconsciousness. Pain relief is distinct from unconsciousness and may require separate drugs.
Total intravenous anaesthesia: A technique that maintains general anaesthesia using intravenous drugs rather than volatile anaesthetics. It is a distinct approach when anaesthesia is maintained entirely through intravenous delivery.
Regional anaesthesia: Loss of sensation across a larger body region produced by blocking nerves or nerve roots. It can permit surgery without inducing general unconsciousness.
Postoperative delirium: An acute disturbance in attention and cognition occurring after surgery or critical illness. Older or medically vulnerable patients may experience delirium during recovery.

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