Name of the Procedure:

Duration of general or neuraxial anesthesia 60 minutes or longer (Peri2)

Summary

This medical procedure involves the administration of general or neuraxial anesthesia for a duration of 60 minutes or longer. This type of anesthesia is commonly used during more extensive surgeries, allowing patients to remain unconscious or pain-free while the surgery is carried out.

Purpose

This anesthesia method is employed to ensure that patients remain unconscious and devoid of pain during longer surgical procedures. The primary goal is to provide pain relief and amnesia, ensuring that the patient does not experience any discomfort during surgery.

Indications

• Major surgical procedures requiring extended operation time.
• Patient factors such as age, health condition, or surgical complexity that necessitate prolonged anesthesia.
• Situations where local or shorter-duration anesthesia would be insufficient.

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 6-8 hours prior to the procedure.
• Adjustments to regular medications, as advised by the healthcare provider.
• Preoperative diagnostic tests, including blood work, ECG, and medical history assessment.

Procedure Description

1. Pre-Anesthesia Assessment: The anesthesiologist evaluates the patient’s health status and medical history.
2. Anesthesia Induction: The patient is administered anesthetics either through an intravenous (IV) line or inhalation.
3. Vital Signs Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs.
4. Maintenance: Additional anesthetics are given as needed to maintain the required anesthesia level.
5. Emergence: After the procedure, anesthetics are gradually reduced to allow the patient to regain consciousness.

Tools and Equipment:

• IV lines, breathing tubes, anesthesia machines, monitors.

Anesthesia Details:

• Combination of anesthetic drugs tailored to the patient’s needs.

Duration

The duration of the anesthesia is typically 60 minutes or longer, aligned with the length of the surgical procedure.

Setting

Commonly performed in hospital operating rooms or surgical centers equipped with the necessary anesthesia and monitoring equipment.

Personnel

• Anesthesiologists
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
• Surgical team including surgeons and nurses

Risks and Complications

• Common: nausea, vomiting, sore throat, dizziness.
• Rare: allergic reactions, respiratory complications, nerve damage, awareness during surgery.
• Management includes supportive care and medications to address specific complications.

Benefits

• Ensures patient comfort and safety during lengthy surgical procedures.
• Enables surgeons to perform complex surgeries without patient movement or pain.

Recovery

• Patient is monitored in a recovery area until they regain full consciousness.
• Instructions may include rest, limited activity, and pain management.
• Follow-up appointments to check for any delayed complications.

Alternatives

• Local anesthesia or shorter-duration anesthesia for less extensive procedures.
• Pros: reduced recovery time and fewer side effects.
• Cons: not suitable for lengthy or complex surgeries.

Patient Experience

• During: Patients are unconscious or pain-free and unaware of the procedure.
• After: May experience grogginess, nausea, or mild discomfort; pain management and supportive care provided for comfort.