Can you be under anesthesia and mentally be aware of what is going on in a major surgery?

Reported.: There have been case reports of anesthesia awareness, but these seem to be related to less than optimal anesthesia. Appropriate anesthesia should produce analgesia and amnesia.

It is possible: But it is very rare. If this happened to you, it is very important to discuss it with your surgeon and anesthesiology team.

No: Under general anesthesia, with few exceptions, there should be no awareness. If you receive a regional technique with sedation or a twilight anestetic, you may have awareness. Discuss this with your doctor.

Unfortunately yes: But only if the general anesthetic is not performed correctly. This happens very rarely and happens when the anesthesia provider is not paying attention. Which is why it is important to have one's anesthesia administered at a reputable center with board certified anesthesiologists.

Normally No: This is only possible if the anesthesiologist does not give you enough anesthetic, it is possible but extremely unlikely.