General anesthesia is used during gallbladder surgery. The surgery begins with the administration of an IV sedative to relax the patient. Once the drug takes effect, the anesthesia provider inserts a breathing tube, or endotracheal tube, through the patient’s mouth into the windpipe.
Once the breathing tube is in place, drugs are given to both paralyze the patient and make them sleep. The tube is then connected to a ventilator, to provide air to the patient’s lungs during the procedure.
During the procedure, the anesthesiologist constantly monitors the vital signs of the patient and provides any necessary medications.
