Name of the Procedure:

Inhalational Anesthetic Administration (Peri2)

Summary

The procedure involves the administration of anesthetic gases through inhalation to induce and maintain anesthesia during surgery or medical procedures. This method is used to ensure the patient remains unconscious and pain-free.

Purpose

The primary purpose is to provide safe and effective anesthesia, minimizing pain and discomfort during surgical procedures. Goals include patient immobilization, unconsciousness, pain relief, and muscle relaxation.

Indications

• Severe pain requiring surgical intervention
• Certain diagnostic procedures requiring patient immobility
• Patients undergoing surgeries of varying complexity
• Procedures involving children or those with difficulty tolerating other forms of anesthesia

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure to prevent aspiration
• Adjustments to medication as advised by the healthcare provider
• Pre-anaesthetic assessment, including medical history, physical examination, and necessary lab tests

Procedure Description

1. Pre-oxygenation: The patient breathes oxygen through a mask to increase oxygen levels.
2. Induction: An inhalational agent, such as sevoflurane or isoflurane, is gradually administered through a mask or endotracheal tube.
3. Maintenance: The anesthetic concentration is adjusted to maintain the appropriate level of anesthesia.
4. Monitoring: Vital signs and anesthesia depth are continuously monitored using advanced equipment.
5. Emergence: At the end of the procedure, the anesthetic gas is discontinued, and the patient is gradually brought back to consciousness.

Duration

The length of the procedure varies widely, ranging from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the surgical or diagnostic procedure.

Setting

Typically performed in a hospital operating room or a surgical center equipped with specialized anesthetic and monitoring equipment.

Personnel

• Anesthesiologist: A medical doctor specializing in anesthesia care, pain management, and critical care
• Nurse Anesthetist: A registered nurse certified in administering anesthesia
• Surgical Team: Includes surgeons, surgical nurses, and possibly other specialized staff

Risks and Complications

• Common: Nausea, vomiting, sore throat, dizziness
• Rare: Allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, changes in blood pressure or heart rate
• Severe: Malignant hyperthermia, a rare but life-threatening reaction

Benefits

• Effective pain management
• Comfort during surgery
• Controlled, reversible state of unconsciousness
• Precise control over anesthesia levels

Recovery

• Initial recovery in a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) where the patient is monitored until they regain full consciousness
• Post-operative instructions: Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or making important decisions for 24 hours. Follow specific dietary and activity restrictions as advised.
• Follow-ups with the healthcare provider if needed

Alternatives

• Intravenous (IV) Anesthesia: Delivered directly into the bloodstream, offering rapid induction and recovery but may not be suitable for all patients.
• Regional Anesthesia: Numbs a larger part of the body, such as spinal or epidural anesthesia, with limited scope compared to general anesthesia.
• Local Anesthesia: Numbs a small, specific area of the body, typically used for minor procedures.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure: The patient will feel drowsy and quickly lose consciousness.
• After the procedure: Patients may feel groggy, disoriented, and experience some pain management through medication. Comfort measures and pain management strategies are in place to ensure minimal discomfort during recovery.