1. General anesthesia involves inducing a state of unconsciousness through administration of drugs that provide analgesia, amnesia and muscle relaxation to allow surgery. 2. An anesthesia machine is used to deliver anesthetic gases and vapors to induce and maintain the anesthetized state. Patients are closely monitored during the procedure. 3. Complications can include issues with breathing, circulation, awareness during surgery, nausea and vomiting after surgery. Proper postoperative care and pain management is important.