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By Mayo Clinic staffBefore general anesthesia
Before you receive general anesthesia, a medical professional specially trained to deliver anesthesia will talk with you and may ask questions about:
- Your health history
- Prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements you take
- Allergies
- Your past experiences with anesthesia
The information you provide will help the anesthesia specialist choose the drugs that will work best and be safest for you.
During general anesthesia
In most cases, the anesthesia is started with medication delivered through an intravenous line in your arm, but sometimes it can be started with a gas that you breathe from a mask. For example, children who are afraid of needles may prefer to go to sleep with a mask. Once you are asleep, a tube may be inserted into your mouth and down your windpipe to ensure you get enough oxygen and to protect your lungs from secretions.
A member of the anesthesia care team stays with you constantly during your procedure, monitoring you closely and adjusting your medications, breathing, temperature, fluids and blood pressure as needed.
After general anesthesia
When the surgery is complete, the anesthesia drugs are discontinued and you gradually wake up either in the operating room or the recovery room.You'll probably feel groggy and a little confused when you first wake up. Other common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Shivering
- Sleepiness
