Every year, by celebrating World Anaesthesia Day (World Anaesthesia Day 2024), we thank the doctors who do not let the patients feel pain during the operation. These doctors give anesthesia, so that the patients do not have any pain during surgery. This day reminds us how important anesthesia is and what a great contribution these doctors have made to healthcare. World Anesthesia Day, celebrated on 16 October, highlights the importance of anesthesia and makes people aware of its benefits. On this special occasion, let us tell you about every important information related to it.

Anesthesia became a revolution in the field of surgery

The successful use of ether on October 16, 1846 added a new chapter to the history of surgery. On this day, the first successful demonstration of anesthesia took place. World Anesthesia Day is celebrated to commemorate this historic event. This day salutes the contribution of anesthesiologists and explains the importance of surgery without pain.

In the year 1846, in an operating theatre at Massachusetts General Hospital, doctors conducted an amazing experiment. They used ether on a patient and made him unconscious during surgery. This was the first time a patient did not feel pain during a surgery. This successful experiment brought a revolution in the field of surgery. Therefore, this day is also known as 'Ether Day' in many countries. To commemorate this historic event, the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists (WFSA) established World Anesthesia Day. Since the year 1903, this day is celebrated every year with special events.

How does anesthesia work?

No matter how small the surgery is, to avoid the pain during it, doctors use a special medicine called anesthesia. This medicine reaches various parts of the patient's body and stops the pain signals going to the brain. Due to this, the patient does not feel any pain during the surgery and remains unconscious or partially unconscious. When anesthesia medicine is given to the patient's body, it reaches the brain through the blood. After this, this medicine affects the nerves that give pain signals. Due to this, the brain does not receive pain signals and no pain is felt.

How was surgery done earlier?

In earlier times, surgery was extremely painful. In most cases, attempts were made to avoid surgery because the patient had to suffer unbearable pain during this period. Various methods were used to reduce the pain, some of which were very strange and ineffective.

• Opium and Mandrake: Initially, juices extracted from plants such as opium and mandrake were given to patients. These substances helped reduce the pain slightly, but could not completely eliminate it.
• Dwell: Another substance, Dwell, was also used. Drinking this would put the patient to sleep, after which surgery would be performed.
• Opium and alcohol mixture: Around the 1600s, opium and alcohol were mixed to create a liquid that provided pain relief. However, its effect was short-lived, forcing doctors to end surgeries too early.

Types of anesthesia

local anesthesia

• What happens: In this type of anesthesia, only a small part of the body is numbed.
• When used: For minor surgeries such as tooth extraction, stitches, etc.
• How it works: The medication is injected into the skin, temporarily numbing the nerves in that area.

Regional Anesthesia

• What happens: In this type of anesthesia, a large part of the body is numbed.
• When used: For major surgeries such as leg or arm surgeries, C-sections, etc.
• How it works: The medicine is injected into or around the spinal cord and into large veins.

general anesthesia

• What happens: In this type of anesthesia the patient is made completely unconscious.
• When used: For major and complex surgeries such as heart surgery, brain surgery, etc.
• How it works: The drug is given by breathing or injection into a vein, which affects the entire body.