Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 12/7/2007

Question
Hi. I am contemplating elective surgery which will require general anesthesia. Is ether still in use? I was given ether for my tonsillectomy as a child and I woke up during surgery. Also, why do certain types of anesthesia make people nauseous when they awake. Thank you.

Answer
You must have had your tonsils out MANY years ago because Ether has not been used in over 40 years. We now have a variety of inhaled and injected anesthetics that are far more reliable and easier to administer. The reasons for nausea are unclear as it doesn't happen to everyone and is probably multifactorial. You may also get nauseous from the narcotics you receive during surgery. In any case, we have several new medicines that are very good at preventing and relieving the nausea so if this is a concern, mention it to your anesthesiologist.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthestiology
UTMB-Galveston