Tag: Surgery prep

According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, most major surgeries rely on **general anesthesia**, the term for what is colloquially called when they knock you out for surgery, to render a patient unconscious and unaware. This deep, medically induced sleep is achieved through a combination of intravenous (IV) and inhaled medications, allowing medical teams to perform complex procedures safely and without pain.

Research has shown that administering prophylactic antibiotics within the 60-minute window before a surgical incision can significantly reduce the risk of surgical site infections. The required time you should be off antibiotics before surgery depends entirely on whether you are taking them to treat an active infection or if they are for preventive purposes.

Over one-third of all general anesthesia cases do not require a breathing tube, dispelling the common myth that everyone gets intubated when having surgery. The method of airway management is a critical decision made by the anesthesia care team based on several factors, including the type of procedure and the patient's health.

Many patients experience significant anxiety before a medical procedure; research has shown that preoperative anxiety affects a large percentage of surgical patients. To address this and other concerns, a range of medications, sometimes administered as an injection, are used for premedication before a surgical procedure. The answer to **'What is the name of the injection given before surgery?'** is not a single drug, but a personalized and multi-faceted approach.

According to historical records, the development of antiseptic techniques in the late 19th century dramatically reduced mortality rates from major surgeries from around 40% to less than 3%. Today, these life-saving agents are still critical in medicine, and knowing **what are the two major antiseptics in use today**—chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine—is essential for proper infection control.

Over a century after its widespread use began, scientists are still working to fully understand how anesthesia works on the brain. In medical terms, the state where they knock you out for surgery is most accurately called **general anesthesia**, a carefully managed, temporary loss of sensation and awareness.

Anesthesia duration varies widely, lasting anywhere from a few minutes to several days depending on the type and how it is administered. A deep understanding of the anesthetic agents, dosage, and patient-specific factors is key to knowing precisely how long does anesthesia last for a particular procedure.

Recent studies have highlighted the potential risks associated with taking SSRIs around the time of surgery, including slightly higher rates of bleeding and complications. Therefore, if you're taking Lexapro, it is crucial to understand the considerations for your upcoming procedure and speak with your medical team.

According to a 2024 survey of intensive care professionals, 97% reported witnessing patient discomfort or distress when NBM. When healthcare professionals use the abbreviation NBM, they are referring to "nil by mouth," a critical patient care and pharmacology instruction. This directive prohibits any oral intake—including food, fluids, and medications—and is essential for patient safety during a variety of medical procedures.