🫁 General Anesthesia: Endotracheal Tube & LMA

General anesthesia is used to keep you fully asleep and pain-free during surgery. This is done by delivering anesthesia medicine through a breathing mask or a tube placed after you’re asleep.

Two Common Airway Techniques:

• Endotracheal Anesthesia: A breathing tube is placed into your windpipe to protect your airway and control your breathing during surgery.

• Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA): A soft mask sits in the back of your throat to help you breathe. It’s less invasive than a breathing tube and often used for shorter or simpler surgeries.

How It Works:

• You’ll receive anesthesia medications through an IV and/or through a mask.

• Once you’re asleep, the nurse anesthesiologist places the breathing device (tube or LMA).

• A machine helps with your breathing during surgery.

Benefits:

• Keeps you unconscious and pain-free

• Allows complete control of breathing and oxygen

• Can be used for all types of surgery

General Risks of General Anesthesia:

While anesthesia is very safe today, there are some possible risks:

• Nausea or vomiting after surgery

• Sore throat (especially with a breathing tube)

• Breathing problems (very rare)

• Allergic reactions to medications

• Awareness during anesthesia (extremely rare)

• Confusion or memory problems after surgery, especially in older adults

Your anesthesia team will discuss your medical history to lower the chance of any complications.