How is general anesthesia typically administered?

General anesthesia is typically administered through intravenous (IV) injection or inhalation. This method allows for a quick onset and control over the depth of anesthesia required for surgical procedures.

When administered IV, anesthetic agents rapidly enter the bloodstream, producing unconsciousness and loss of sensation almost immediately. Inhalational agents are delivered through a mask or an endotracheal tube during surgery, which allows for continuous delivery of anesthetic gases that maintain anesthesia throughout the procedure. This dual route enables flexibility in managing patient recovery and adjusting anesthesia levels as necessary during the surgery.

Other methods, such as topical application or spinal block, are not utilized for general anesthesia. Topical methods are used for local or regional anesthesia, affecting only a small area, while spinal blocks are classified under regional anesthesia techniques, targeting specific nerves to control pain in certain body regions but do not induce general anesthesia. Therefore, the combination of IV and inhaled methods is the standard approach for achieving general anesthesia in surgical settings.