US Medical Term · procedures
General Anesthesia
Anestesia general
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | General Anesthesia |
| Spanish (Español) | Anestesia general |
| Chinese (中文) | 全身麻醉 |
| Korean (한국어) | 전신마취 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Gây mê toàn thân |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | General anesthesia |
| Portuguese (Português) | Anestesia geral |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การดมยาสลบ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 全身麻酔 |
What it means
General anesthesia is a medically induced state of complete unconsciousness used during surgery or major procedures so the patient feels no pain and has no awareness or memory of the operation. It is administered through intravenous medication and gases inhaled through a breathing tube or mask. The anesthesiologist monitors breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels throughout the procedure. You will need to fast for several hours before surgery to prevent vomiting during anesthesia. After surgery, you will wake up in a recovery area and may feel groggy, nauseated, or confused for a short time. Most side effects resolve within hours. You should arrange for someone to drive you home as you cannot drive the day of your procedure.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
Will I be under general anesthesia for the entire surgery or only part of it?
¿Estaré bajo anestesia general durante toda la cirugía o solo parte de ella?
I am very nervous about waking up during surgery — can you explain how that is prevented?
Estoy muy nervioso por despertar durante la cirugía — ¿puede explicarme cómo se previene eso?
How long after general anesthesia can I eat, drink, and drive?
¿Cuánto tiempo después de la anestesia general puedo comer, beber y manejar?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026