Anesthesia is a type of medicine that keeps you from feeling pain during the surgery. For this surgery, general anesthesia is used. This puts you into a deep sleep, and you shouldn't feel any pain, pressure, or movement during the surgery.

With general anesthesia, you may first be asked to breathe through an oxygen mask. Your anesthesia provider will give you medicine through your IV that makes you feel very relaxed, and you should quickly fall asleep. After you are sound asleep, a breathing tube will be placed in your windpipe. This tube helps you breathe during the surgery.

Another tube will be placed down your throat and into your stomach to help remove any extra air that builds up there during the surgery. Also, a catheter -- which is a flexible plastic tube -- will be put into your bladder. The catheter will help your healthcare providers monitor how much urine your body is producing.

There are many potential side effects and complications of general anesthesia. Although we talk about some of these problems, we don't cover all of them. So be sure to ask any questions you might have when you talk with your anesthesia provider before the surgery. Also, tell him or her about any allergies or health conditions you have. This will help your anesthesia care team know how to take care of you during the surgery, and if you will need any special attention.