×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Join Thousands Daily
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download App

Banishing consciousness: How anaesthesia works

What is the purpose of anaesthesia in surgery?

When surgery used to be done without anaesthesia, the types of operations were limited, and pain was a big issue. The purpose of anaesthesia is to relieve pain and the only way out of this was using analgesics - a pain relief agent. Around 1844, general anaesthesia came into play using nitrous oxide, chloroform and ether. Chloroform and ether alter a patient’s consciousness and put them to sleep while nitrous oxide has pain-relieving properties.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Uncover the stories others won't tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
Support Independent Journalism

Stand With Bold Journalism.
Stand With The Standard.

Journalism can't be free because the truth demands investment. At The Standard, we invest time, courage and skills to bring you accurate, factual and impactful stories. Subscribe today and stand with us in the pursuit of credible journalism.

Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payment Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902

Related Topics

Anaesthesia