# Will I feel pain during surgery under general anesthesia? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/will-i-feel-pain-during-general-anesthesia-surgery Language: en Category: surgery Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.997Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.997Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/will-i-feel-pain-during-general-anesthesia-surgery No, you should not feel pain during an operation under general anesthesia. General anesthesia is a medical procedure that prevents patients from feeling pain during surgeries and other medical procedures by rendering them completely unconscious and unable to move [\[2\]](). It is similar to deep sleep, where you do not remember the procedure after waking up [\[1\]](). ## How does general anesthesia work? General anesthesia works by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. Anesthetic medications, called anesthetics, are administered either via intravenous injection or as a gas inhaled through a mask covering the mouth and nose [\[2\]](). Anesthesiologists, who are physicians specializing in administering anesthesia, monitor the patient's vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels throughout the surgery to ensure they remain normal and stable [\[4\]](). These medications are used to prevent nerves from transmitting signals to the brain, leading to loss of consciousness and sensation of pain. Scientists are still studying the precise mechanisms by which all types of anesthesia work, but they know that some function by altering the release of neurotransmitters or changing the activity of ion channel proteins in nerve cells [\[2\]](). ## Is there any possibility of feeling pain during general anesthesia? Although general anesthesia is designed to prevent pain entirely, there is a very rare risk known as 'anesthesia awareness.' This means that a person might hear sounds during surgery, and in some very rare cases, might feel pain [\[1\]](). This happens exceptionally rarely, and strict measures are taken by the anesthesia team to minimize this risk by monitoring the patient carefully to ensure they receive the appropriate amount of anesthesia to remain asleep [\[4\]](). It is important to discuss any concerns you have about feeling pain or awareness during surgery with your anesthesiologist before the procedure. The anesthesiologist will evaluate your general health, medical history, and the procedure you will undergo to determine the best anesthesia plan for you [\[1\]](). ## Recovery after general anesthesia After the surgery is finished and the anesthetic medication is stopped, you will begin to wake up. Initially, you may feel drowsy. You may also feel thirsty, have a hoarse voice or a sore throat due to the breathing tube used during the procedure, or experience shivering, nausea, vomiting, pain, bruising, or soreness from the injections or from lying still during the procedure [\[4\]](). Some people, especially older adults over 60, may experience temporary confusion that may last for several days, whereas it is short-lived in children after waking up [\[1\]](). You will be monitored in the recovery area, where staff will look after you and provide medication for any pain or nausea. You can usually begin eating and drinking when you feel ready. The effects of general anesthesia last about 24 hours, and the full recovery time depends on the type of procedure you underwent [\[4\]](). For additional information about the different types of anesthesia and how to prepare for them, you can visit [Anesthesia: Types, Patient Preparation, and What to Expect (Arabic)](). ## When should you seek medical help after general anesthesia? Although general anesthesia is generally safe, there are some potential risks to be aware of. Rare complications include a serious allergic reaction to the anesthesia, breathing difficulties, chest infection, damage to teeth or the mouth from the breathing tube, and nerve damage that may cause numbness, tingling, or weakness [\[4\]](). If you are concerned about any side effects after general anesthesia or if they do not improve, you should seek an urgent appointment with your doctor or obtain assistance from emergency medical services [\[4\]](). ## Medical references - [Anesthesia]() - [Anesthesia]() - [General anaesthetic - NHS]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/will-i-feel-pain-during-general-anesthesia-surgery#answer