A general anaesthetic uses medicines to make you unconscious, so you are unaware of the procedure and do not feel it while it happens. It is given and monitored by a specialist anaesthetist, who also manages your breathing, pain relief and recovery.
When a general anaesthetic is used
General anaesthesia is used for most major operations, and for some shorter procedures where you need to be completely still, where the procedure would otherwise be too uncomfortable, or where sedation or local anaesthesia would not be suitable. It may also be recommended for some dental treatment and for some children and adults who would find a procedure very distressing while awake.
It is not the only option. Many procedures can be done with sedation, regional anaesthesia (such as a nerve block) or local anaesthesia, sometimes in combination. Your anaesthetist will explain which options suit you.
Planning your anaesthetic
Your anaesthetist will review your health before your procedure, including your medical conditions, medicines, allergies and any previous anaesthetics. They will explain the plan, the alternatives and the risks that are relevant to you, and answer your questions before you agree. Read about preparing for anaesthesia.
What happens
- Monitoring. You are connected to monitors for your heart, blood pressure and oxygen levels, and a small tube (cannula) is placed in a vein.
- Going to sleep. Anaesthetic medicine is usually given through the cannula. Sometimes you breathe anaesthetic gas through a mask instead.
- Keeping you safe. Once you are asleep, your anaesthetist supports your breathing, often with an airway device or a breathing tube, and continuously adjusts the anaesthetic. They stay with you for the whole procedure.
- Pain relief. Medicines for pain and nausea are given during the procedure, and local anaesthetic or a nerve block may be added to help with pain afterwards.
- Waking up. At the end, the anaesthetic is stopped and you wake up, usually in the recovery room with staff monitoring you closely.
How it may feel
Most people remember the cannula going in and then waking up in recovery. Read our article What does anaesthesia feel like? for a fuller description.
Risks and side effects
Common effects, such as feeling sick, a sore throat, shivering and drowsiness, are usually short-lived. Serious complications are rare, and the risk depends on your health, the procedure and the type of anaesthetic. Your anaesthetist will talk with you about the risks that matter for you. See risks and side effects.
About Dr Aly
Dr Walid Aly is a Specialist Anaesthetist and a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FANZCA), with specialist registration in anaesthesia. He provides anaesthesia and sedation in Victoria; the procedures he currently covers will be confirmed before publication. About Dr Aly.
Sources
- ANZCA. Types of anaesthesia. Accessed 2 Nov 2026.
- ANZCA. What does an anaesthetist do?. Accessed 2 Nov 2026.
- healthdirect Australia. General anaesthetic. Last reviewed Dec 2025.
- ANZCA. PG07 Guideline on pre-anaesthesia consultation and patient preparation (2024; Appendix 1, Fasting, revised June 2026). June 2024; Appendix 1 June 2026.
- ANZCA. PS26(A) Position statement on informed consent for anaesthesia or sedation. Apr 2021.
- ANZCA. Professional documents (including PS55 facilities, PG18 monitoring, PS19 monitored care, PS04(A) post-anaesthesia care, PG29(A) children). Accessed 2 Nov 2026.
- Written by
- Altitude Creative, health content team, on behalf of Dr Walid Aly
- Clinical reviewer
- In progress
- Review date
- Clinical review in progress
- Next review due
- Set at clinical review
How we write, review and correct this information: editorial policy.
In an emergency, call 000. This information is general and does not replace advice from your treating practitioner.