Narrator/Announcer

But instead of flour or sugar, Elopi is using different anesthetics like propofol, lidocaine, and different opioids. Anesthetics like these make all kinds of surgery possible.

But instead of flour or sugar, Elopi is using different anesthetics like propofol, lidocaine, and different opioids. Anesthetics like these make all kinds of surgery possible.

But instead of flour or sugar, Elopi is using different anesthetics like propofol, lidocaine, and different opioids. Anesthetics like these make all kinds of surgery possible.

Today on the show, we go into the operating room and under the sway of anesthesia, how this once controversial procedure became a cornerstone of modern medicine. I'm Emily Kwong, and you're listening to Shortwave, the science podcast from NPR.

Today on the show, we go into the operating room and under the sway of anesthesia, how this once controversial procedure became a cornerstone of modern medicine. I'm Emily Kwong, and you're listening to Shortwave, the science podcast from NPR.

Today on the show, we go into the operating room and under the sway of anesthesia, how this once controversial procedure became a cornerstone of modern medicine. I'm Emily Kwong, and you're listening to Shortwave, the science podcast from NPR.

Okay, Alopi, let's talk about anesthesia's history. When did people start using it and what kind of chemicals were most popular back in the day?

Okay, Alopi, let's talk about anesthesia's history. When did people start using it and what kind of chemicals were most popular back in the day?

Okay, Alopi, let's talk about anesthesia's history. When did people start using it and what kind of chemicals were most popular back in the day?

How was anesthesia used or not used for people giving birth back in the day? And how has that history evolved?

How was anesthesia used or not used for people giving birth back in the day? And how has that history evolved?

How was anesthesia used or not used for people giving birth back in the day? And how has that history evolved?

She was like, give me some of that good stuff. I am the queen.

She was like, give me some of that good stuff. I am the queen.

She was like, give me some of that good stuff. I am the queen.

Wow. Okay. So let's accompany you now through this process, starting from when a patient is being induced and the anesthetic starts entering their system. What is anesthesia doing to the body?

Wow. Okay. So let's accompany you now through this process, starting from when a patient is being induced and the anesthetic starts entering their system. What is anesthesia doing to the body?

Wow. Okay. So let's accompany you now through this process, starting from when a patient is being induced and the anesthetic starts entering their system. What is anesthesia doing to the body?

Okay. What is anesthesia doing to your nervous system?

Okay. What is anesthesia doing to your nervous system?