Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 5/27/2007

Question
How does an anethesiolist..determine how much general anethesia to give a patient? is it by their weight only?  or are there other factors involved?

Answer
Hi Glenda
Everyone reacts differently to drugs - some people are more sensitive while others are more resistant. This is the same variation as we see in day to day life e.g. some people can drink very little alcohol before they become drunk while others seem to have a much larger capacity.
A good anaesthetist therefore adjusts the amount of drug they are giving to a patient according to signs of how sensitive or responsive they are to the agent.
Weight, age and sex of the patient play a part in our calculations of what will be necessary but the end point is the patients reaction to the anaesthetic. This bit is the 'art of anaesthesia' and is a bit like the art of cooking. Anyone can follow a recipe but fewer can make a lovely dish every time.
Hope this helps
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson