Correct the common misunderstanding about anaesthesia: unmasking the veil of anaesthesia
Anaesthesia, as an integral part of modern medicine, provides the necessary conditions for surgery and other medical operations to help patients safely through treatment in an unconscious state. However, while the importance of anaesthesia in medical care is self-evident, there are many public misconceptions about anaesthesia. These common misunderstandings will be explored in depth and corrected on the basis of scientific evidence and expertise, with a view to raising public awareness of the correctness of anaesthesia.
I. Anaesthetists tend to exaggerate risks and scare people.
Misunderstanding: Many patients and family members believe that an anaesthetists are exaggerating and trying to scare people when they inform them of risks before the surgery. They fear that these risks will prevent the operation from taking place and even create a sense of mistrust among anesthetists.
Truth: An anaesthetist gives detailed information about the risks prior to the surgery, not to intimidate, but to fulfil the obligation to inform and to respect the patient ‘ s right to informed consent. These risks are the practical problems that may be faced during anaesthesia, including low blood pressure, allergies, respiratory inhibition, etc. The signing of the consent to anaesthesia does not mean that an anaesthetist or hospital can escape responsibility in the event of an accident. Rather, it helps to build a relationship of trust between the patient and the patient and ensures that the patient makes informed decisions with full knowledge of the risks.
II. COLLECTION OF DRUGS
Misperceptions: Some wrongly believe that, if there is a high amount of alcohol, it will be difficult for an narcotic drug to function, that is, “stagnate”.
Truth: People who drink for long periods of time may indeed be more resistant to narcotic drugs and need a larger dose to achieve the same anesthesia. However, an anaesthetists conduct detailed inquiries into the patient ‘ s history of alcohol consumption prior to the operation and adjust the drug programme during the operation through in-depth anaesthesia monitoring. There are no reported cases of “smuggling”. Thus, irrespective of the amount of alcohol, anesthetists are capable of ensuring that the patient reaches an appropriate level of anaesthesia during the operation.
iii. The anesthetist’s only one shot.
Misunderstanding: Many people think that the work of an anesthetist is simply an anaesthesia for the patient, and then there is nothing to do.
Truth: The work of an anesthesiologist is much more than that. Before the operation, they need to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient, including his/her physical condition, allergies, drug history, etc., to develop an appropriate anaesthesia programme. During the operation, the anesthesiologist is required to follow closely the vital signs of the patient, such as blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen, etc., and to adjust the depth of the anesthesia in a timely manner in accordance with the procedure and the patient ‘ s response. After the operation, the anesthesiologist is also responsible for the recovery of the patient and for ensuring that the patient has a smooth period of recovery. It can be said that anaesthetists are “lifeguards” in the operating room, and their work runs through the operation.
IV. Anesthesia makes people stupid.
Misperceptions: Some fear a long-term loss of memory or a decline in intelligence after anaesthesia.
Truth: The use of modern narcotic drugs is already very accurate and safe. Although short memory loss may occur during anaesthesia, this is usually limited to the operation itself and does not affect the long-term memory or intellectual level of the individual. Numerous studies have shown that, with reasonable use, narcotic drugs do not have long-term adverse effects on the body. The Food and Drug Administration of the United States (FDA) has also indicated that the potential effects on brain development can only be repeated or prolonged in the case of children under three years of age or women in the last three months of pregnancy. This concern is unnecessary for most adult patients.
V. Anesthesia is simply a sleepover.
Misunderstanding: Many people think that anaesthesia is a way for the patient to sleep, and it’s natural to wake up after the operation.
Truth: Anesthesia is much more complicated than sleep. The anaesthesiologists, through the use of drugs in the brain and nervous system, bring patients into an unconscious state to ensure the safe and smooth operation of the operation. Unlike sleep, the vital signs and respiratory functions of anesthesia are closely monitored. Anaesthetists need to continuously adjust the depth of the anesthesia to the surgical process and the patient ‘ s response in order to maintain the patient ‘ s vital signs. After the operation, the anaesthetist is also responsible for the patient ‘ s recovery and for ensuring that the patient has a smooth recovery period.
VI. I’m sure there’ll be pain after anaesthesia.
Misunderstanding: Some fear serious post-operative pain after anaesthesia.
Truth: Modern anaesthesia techniques can already provide good post-operative pain relief. The use of pain relief equipment, such as pain pumps, can significantly reduce post-operative pain. There is, of course, a difference in the sensitivity and tolerance of pain among the different patients, but an anaesthetists will develop individualized pain relief programmes based on the patient ‘ s specific circumstances to ensure that the patient recovers comfortably after surgery.
VII. Long-term adverse physical effects of narcotic drugs
Misperceptions: Some fear that anaesthesia can have long-term adverse effects on the body, such as damage to the brain and the nervous system.
Truth: Modern narcotic drugs do not have long-term adverse effects on the body when used reasonably. These drugs are metabolic more rapidly in the body and are usually not left in the body for too long. At the same time, the anesthesiologist selects the most appropriate narcotic drugs and doses according to the patient ‘ s specific circumstances and type of operation to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the anesthesia process.
Concluding remarks
As an important part of modern medicine, anaesthesia provides the necessary conditions for surgery and other medical operations. However, public misperceptions about anaesthesia persist. Through this discussion and correction, we hope that these misperceptions will be dispelled and that the correct public awareness of the anesthesia will be raised. At the same time, we call for greater communication and cooperation among the medical and medical communities to address the challenges of surgery and anaesthesia and to ensure their safety and smooth operation.
