course of general anaesthesia
Last reviewed 01/2018
General anaesthesia is divided up into several sequential stages:
- premedication
- induction
- airway control with or without intubation
- maintenance
- reversal
- recovery
- postoperative management
All anaesthesia should be carried out by competent staff in well-lit, warm side-room and theatre. Full resuscitative facilities should be present, equipment should be checked before every case, and basic facilities should be at hand, e.g. a full range of non-expired drugs and the ability to give 100% oxygen. Post-operatively, the anaesthetist usually advises the continuing team about fluid balance and analgesia.