$Unique_ID{BRK00603}
$Pretitle{Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests}
$Title{Does one Feel What's Going On While Under Anesthesia}
$Subject{anesthesia surgery}
$Volume{P-1}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Does one Feel What's Going On While Under Anesthesia


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I am going to have an operation to remove a cyst next month.  I've
never had surgery before and I'm worried that even though I'll be under
anesthesia, I'm going to feel what's going on.  Does that ever happen?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  It is extremely rare for a patient to feel anything or to actually
remember what went on while under general anesthesia, although many patients
express the same fears that you do.  Fewer than 1% of patients have real
memories of anything that took place.  A much greater number of people, up to
50%, may have awareness of a memory.  In such cases, the patient may know
about events that occurred during surgery, but doesn't know that he knows,
since the memory remains only on a subconscious level.  A number of agents
that bring about a loss of sensation are used by trained anesthesiologists to
put a person under general anesthesia.  This allows the doctor to perform
surgery, which might otherwise be painful.
     The drugs or agents that are used work to achieve necessary muscle
relaxation and to calm fear and anxiety, producing a state of amnesia for the
event.  In many cases doctors have patients inhale gases or volatile liquids
that produce this state.  On other occasions, sedative-hypnotic drugs are
administered intravenously to achieve the desired results.
     It is more than likely, therefore, that you will wake up after it is all
over, and never remember what really took place.
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
