Induction of anaesthesia

General anaesthesia is a temporary state of unconsciousness that is induced to facilitate a therapeutic procedure. Induction is the first stage of a sequential process. It commences with patient preparation and assessment away from theatre, and continues in the safe and monitored environment of the anaesthetic room or operating theatre, where the administration of drugs and airway interventions take place. The anaesthetic then transits through maintenance, emergence and recovery phases. The exact mechanism of induction-whether it be intravenous, inhalational or rapid sequence induction-depends on the needs of the patient and the procedure planned. As general anaesthesia is seldom a therapeutic intervention in itself, it is essential that inherent risks to the patient are minimized.