“How long will I be under general anesthesia?”

Hello,

This is very rare. In 42 years, I haven't seen a patient I gave anesthesia to tell me that. But it could happen, especially in emergency surgeries (cesarean section). You should talk to your anesthesiologist and tell him your concerns.

Recall is very uncommon. Your first recollection will likely be in the ICU but you may have a tube in for several hours but will be sedated while on the ventilator

There are no stupid questions, so having established that your question is valid, the job of the anesthesiologist is at all times to make sure that the anesthesia we are providing is at the proper amount and level that so that you would not awaken from the anesthetic prior to completion of the surgery. I encourage you as part of your pre-operative visit with your anesthesiologist to share your concern. Again, let me stress that are job as your anesthesiologist is to make the experience you have while under our care be safe. We strive to alleviate your fears, and anxieties about having surgery, and an anesthetic as much as possible. I find this works best to be allow patients to ask questions, voice their concerns, and allow us to discuss them, and to discuss the plan the anesthesiologist will have for you. This exchange of information and knowledge that your anesthesiologist will pay attention to every detail surrounding your care while under the anesthetic I believe will alleviate the concerns you have.
I wish you the best of luck during your surgery.

Awareness is always possible, but extremely rare. You’re more likely to wake up after the surgery, though it might be some time later in the ICU that you become aware.

Modern anesthesia monitoring systems and surgical techniques make this fear extremely unlikely of ever occurring. Your vital signs will be monitored continuously during your surgery. If you were to begin to "wake up," there would be changes in your vital signs which would indicate to the anesthesiologist that you need more medication. In addition, there is a "consciousness monitor" which can be used to determine how asleep you are during the case. Rest assured that you will not remember anything during surgery. Let your anesthesia team know that you have this fear so that they will be able to demonstrate the monitoring systems and reassure you.

Good luck with your procedure!

Waking up during anesthesia is extremely rare, practically impossible. Recall is possible, but also very rare. Your concerns are typical though, but again, highly improbable.