anestezii

Anestezii, or anesthesia, is a medical discipline concerned with the reversible loss of sensation, often including loss of consciousness, to enable painful or risky procedures. It encompasses several modalities: general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, local anesthesia, and sedation with analgesia. The goal is to ensure patient comfort and immobility while maintaining safety and vital functions.

General anesthesia induces unconsciousness and amnesia with airway control and systemic analgesia and muscle relaxation. It is typically achieved with inhaled agents (sevoflurane, desflurane) combined with intravenous drugs (propofol, etomidate) and opioids, with neuromuscular blockers used for muscle relaxation as needed. Regional anesthesia blocks sensation in a larger region (epidural or spinal anesthesia, peripheral nerve blocks) while the patient remains awake or sedated. Local anesthesia numbs a small area, often for minor procedures. Sedation or monitored anesthesia care provides varying levels of consciousness while analgesia is provided.

Anesthetic care includes preoperative assessment, intraoperative monitoring (electrocardiography, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, capnography, temperature), airway management, and postoperative recovery with pain control and monitoring for complications. Safety depends on patient selection, appropriate agents and dosing, skilled supervision, and contingency plans for airway or cardiovascular events.

Historically, anesthesia emerged in the mid-19th century with ether and nitrous oxide, refined by pioneers such as Crawford W. Long, William T.G. Morton, and James Young Simpson. Today, advances include total intravenous anesthesia, refined regional techniques, and improved monitoring and safety protocols.