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.