Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Anestesia general
General anesthesia ( A-nes-THEE-zhuh)
A temporary loss of feeling and a complete loss of awareness that feels like a very deep sleep. It is caused by special drugs or other substances called anesthetics. General anesthesia keeps patients from feeling pain during surgery or other procedures.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.