The term anaesthesia comes from the Greek words “an” and “aisthesis,” meaning “without feeling.” This lack of sensation can be referred to as local, applying to a certain specific area of the body, or general, applying to the whole body and rendering the patient unconscious. For general anaesthesia, specialists administer three main groups of anesthetic agents: hypnotics, analgesics and muscle relaxants.

Hypnotic agents, also known as induction agents, send the patient into unconsciousness. One example is nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas). Years ago large doses of hypnotics were necessary to achieve the deep level of sleep and muscle relaxation required for painless surgery. Today, however, smaller doses are used, with the aim of keeping patients closer to consciousness, as other more efficient drugs have been developed to relieve pain and relax the muscles. This helps to ensure a more rapid recovery.

Analgesics are used to reduce pain during and after surgery, and are necessary both for the patient’s comfort and safety.

Many patients also receive a muscle relaxant to produce complete muscle paralysis. This is particularly necessary when patients need to be kept paralyzed during major or delicate surgery, or to allow manipulations of bone and muscle during, for example, orthopedic surgery. Patients given a muscle relaxant cannot breathe on their own and must be artificially ventilated.

Organon has long been a pioneer within the field of anesthesia, providing innovative products over the past 30 years. As a leader in neuromuscular blockade, the company continues to research and develop products that maximize safety, improve patient care, and optimize therapeutic cost-effectiveness.
  

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