FAQ: Anesthesia

FAQ: Anesthesia

Q1. What are the major differences between general anesthesia and sedative anesthesia?

General anesthesia and sedative anesthesia both makes the patient lose consciousness, feeling, movement and reflexes, but patients under general anesthesia have no consciousness and cannot breathe on their own. Sedative anesthesia on the other hand, the patient has some level of consciousness so they can regain consciousness when spoken to or touched, so it can be seen as the patient is in a relaxed state.

Q2. Does general anesthesia influence functions of the brain?

Many people worry that anesthetic drugs used for general anesthesia may cause damage to the brain cells based on false information. During the surgery, anesthesiologist maintains the cardiac function and brain cells normally so there are no direct effects on the brain or the brain cell itself during general anesthesia.

Q3. Does degree of anesthesia differ according to drinking capacity?

The substances that effect anesthesia are normally alcohol, sleeping pill, and stimulants. If these drugs are taken excessively, tolerance for anesthetic drug can form, but drinking capacity does not directly influence the degree of anesthesia.

Q4. Can I receive anesthesia if I have a fever and cough?

Usually fever or coughing is an indication of flu or other diseases and it can be accompanied with bronchitis or pneumonia. In these cases, the rate of pulmonary complications after anesthesia is high so we recommend postponing the surgery.

Q5. Does applying lipstick or nail polish affect anesthesia?

Wearing lipstick or nail polish does not directly affect anesthesia itself. However, the patients’ oxygen level is measured by checking the patient lip condition and devices worn on the finger and toe, so wearing vivid colored lipstick and/or nail polish can interfere with checking the oxygen level so it must be removed before anesthesia.

Q6. Am I allowed to eat before surgery that involves anesthesia?

You must fast before general anesthesia. If food is consumed, it may reverse back and block the airway, so 8 hours of fasting before surgery is strictly enforced.