This book explores several aspects of the research in the field of general anesthesia, including mechanisms of action of inhaled and intravenous hypnotic agents; the anesthetics-induced neurotoxicity in children and elderly; features and physiopathology of postoperative cognitive side effects; and findings from preclinical research focused on the recognition of potential links between anesthetics and cancer cell biology. Furthermore, chapters in this book cover technical topics such as preoperative monitoring of autonomic nervous activity; EEG based monitoring of general anesthesia; monitoring cerebral oximetry by near infrared spectroscopy; pharmacological issues of anesthesia interest; and optimization of perioperative course through the latest techniques such as the opioid-free anesthesia. Finally,