In clinical medicine, anesthesia technology is a delicate and complex art, which is related to the safety and comfort of patients' surgery. However, misconceptions and rumors surrounding general and semi-anesthesia are endless. Some people say that general anesthesia is "a good night's sleep", and some people worry that they will "become stupid" or "memory loss" when they wake up. Today, let's explore the science of general anesthesia and semi-anesthesia together, demystify them, and take you to truly understand the essential differences and application scenarios of these two types of anesthesia.
Definition and basic differences between general anesthesia and semi-anesthesia
1. 全麻（General Anesthesia）与半麻（Regional Anesthesia）的定义
General anesthesia refers to the use of anesthetic drugs to act on the entire brain and body, causing the patient to enter a state similar to deep sleep, completely unaware of pain and without memory. Under general anesthesia, the patient's respiratory and circulatory functions may require manual support and monitoring.
Semi-anesthesia, also known as regional anesthesia, refers to the blocking of nerve conduction in a certain area of the body by local anesthetic drugs, so that the patient does not feel pain while awake. Common forms of semi-anesthesia include spinal anesthesia and epidural anesthesia, which make only one part of the body lose sensation.
2. Scope of application and selection factors
General anesthesia is often used for major surgeries such as open surgery, heart surgery, etc., which require the patient to be completely immobile and under control. The use of general anaesthesia ensures patient stability during the procedure while allowing the surgeon to concentrate on the complex procedure.
Semi-anesthesia is more suitable for lower limbs, below the abdomen or local surgeries, such as cesarean section, knee replacement, etc. The advantages of semi-anesthesia are that the recovery is fast and the side effects are small, especially suitable for high-risk patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia.
3. Risks and misunderstandings of general anesthesia and semi-anesthesia
Although general anesthesia is considered a "sleep-by-sleep" process by some patients, modern anesthesia techniques have become very safe, and serious complications caused by general anesthesia are extremely rare. Scientific studies have shown that the effects of modern anesthetic drugs on brain function are temporary and reversible, and there is no such thing as "waking up stupid".
The risk of semi-anesthesia is relatively low, but precise techniques are also needed to ensure that the drug is precisely acting on the target nerve. Improper manipulation may result in nerve damage or incomplete anesthesia, causing discomfort during surgery.
Anesthesia Implementation: A Precise and Safe Companion
The process of administering anesthesia
Preanesthetic Evaluation: Any anesthetic procedure begins with a thorough preanesthetic evaluation. This includes a detailed understanding of the patient's medical history and an assessment of the patient's potential response to anesthetic drugs and the risks. Cardiopulmonary status, history of drug allergies, previous anesthesia experience, and any chronic medical conditions are assessed.
Anesthesia Plan Development: Based on the results of the assessment and surgical needs, the anesthesiologist will develop an individualized anesthesia plan. Choose the appropriate anesthesia method (general or semi-anesthetic) and medication to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient during the procedure.
Administering anesthesia: Before the procedure begins, the anesthesiologist will administer anesthetic using intravenous access and begin general anesthesia or inject a local anesthetic into a designated area to administer semi-anesthesia. General anesthesia usually requires the use of a ventilator to maintain breathing.
Monitoring during anesthesia: During anesthesia, the patient's vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiratory status will be closely monitored. Based on this data, the anesthesiologist adjusts the depth of anesthesia and the amount of medication administered to ensure that the patient is in the best possible condition throughout the procedure.
Recovery after anesthesia
Once the procedure is complete, the patient will be taken to the resuscitation room, where the anesthesiologist and paramedics will continue to monitor the patient's vital signs and assess their recovery from anesthesia. The effects of the anesthetic drug will gradually wear off, and the patient will gradually regain consciousness and bodily functions.
Breaking the Myth: The Truth About Cognitive Function After General Anesthesia
Cognitive function and general anesthesia
The presence of temporary changes in cognitive function after general anesthesia is referred to as postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). While some studies have reported that specific patient groups, such as older adults or those with specific health problems, may experience transient cognitive decline after surgery, this condition is usually temporary.
Research and data support: Extensive scientific studies have shown that the vast majority of patients experience cognitive function returning to normal within a few weeks of surgery. The risk of long-term cognitive impairment is very low and is more related to the patient's age, health status, and complexity of the procedure.
Common misconceptions solved
"General anesthesia causes permanent brain damage": There is no scientific evidence to support that general anesthesia causes long-term or permanent brain damage. Anesthetic drugs are designed to be quickly broken down and eliminated in the body to reduce long-term effects on the body.
"Waking up stupid" is the norm: mild postoperative cognitive decline is predominantly seen in high-risk groups and is usually temporary. Most patients do not experience significant long-term cognitive changes.
Through precise technology and rigorous monitoring, general and semi-anesthesia have provided a safe, effective surgical experience for thousands of patients. The cognitive effects of general anesthesia do exist, but they are mostly temporary and mild, far from common misconceptions. Through continuous medical advancements and rigorous clinical practice, anesthesiology continues to escort the safety and health of patients.