General anesthesia acts primarily on the brain and central nervous system.
It is administered via the patient’s circulatory system by a combination of inhaled gas and injected drugs. After the initial injection, anesthesia is maintained with inhaled gas anesthetics and/or additional drugs through the IV. Often, but not always, your anesthesiologist may insert a breathing tube or similar device (LMA) to assist your respirations during your surgery.
General anesthesia results in loss of consciousness, loss of awareness, and no pain (while under general anesthesia).