Anæstesi

Anæstesi (anesthesia) is a medical discipline focused on the relief of pain and the management of consciousness during procedures such as surgery, with the aim of ensuring patient comfort and safety. It involves analgesia, amnesia, muscle relaxation, and the maintenance of stable breathing and circulation.

There are several approaches to anesthesia. General anesthesia produces loss of consciousness and often controlled ventilation. Regional anesthesia includes techniques such as spinal or epidural blocks, or peripheral nerve blocks, which numb a larger region of the body. Local anesthesia numbs only a small area at the procedure site. Sedation with monitored anesthesia care provides varying levels of consciousness while the patient may still be awake.

The perioperative process includes preoperative assessment and planning, airway assessment and management, and continuous intraoperative monitoring of vital signs. Anesthetics are delivered intravenously or by inhalation, and combinations are tailored to the procedure and patient. The emergence phase marks the end of anesthesia, followed by recovery and observation in a post-anesthesia care unit.

Practice is led by anesthesiologists; in some regions, nurse anesthetists or other trained clinicians provide specialized anesthesia care under supervision. The team monitors heart rate, blood pressure, airway status, oxygenation, and ventilation, adjusting drugs as needed to maintain safety and comfort.

Risks and safety considerations include common effects such as nausea, vomiting, and sore throat, as well as rare but serious events like respiratory or cardiovascular complications, awareness, or allergic reactions. Safety improves with thorough preoperative evaluation, adherence to protocols, and continuous monitoring. Historically, anesthesia has evolved from early demonstrations in the 19th century to today’s diverse and highly controlled techniques.