What is anesthesia?
Anesthesia is a term used in medicine to describe the different types of medication administered before and during surgery or other procedures. These medications ensure that patients do not experience pain during the procedure. In certain cases, such as when patients are “put to sleep” for surgery, anesthesia medications also prevent them from recalling the procedure afterward.
Anesthesiologists, who are specialized doctors, administer anesthesia medications. Sometimes, nurse anesthetists, who are nurses with specific anesthesia training, are also involved in the process.
What are the different types of anesthesia?
There are three main types of anesthesia:
- Local anesthesia: This type of anesthesia involves using medication to numb a small area of the body, preventing pain. It can be administered as a cream, gel, spray on the skin, or through an injection. Local anesthesia is often given while the patient is awake. Anesthesiologists commonly use local anesthesia for minor surgeries like skin or breast biopsies, which involve obtaining tiny tissue samples using a needle.
- Regional anesthesia: This type of anesthesia blocks pain in a specific area of the body, such as an arm, leg, or the lower half of the body. Patients receiving regional anesthesia may be awake or receive sedatives to help them relax and feel sleepy. Sedatives are typically administered through an intravenous tube. Spinal blocks and epidurals are examples of regional anesthesia techniques. In a spinal block, the anesthesiologist injects medication into the lower back to numb the spinal nerves, often used for surgeries on the legs or inside the abdomen. An epidural involves placing a small tube (catheter) near the spinal nerves in the lower back, which can be used for childbirth, surgery, or post-surgical pain management.
- General anesthesia: This type of anesthesia induces unconsciousness, preventing patients from feeling, seeing, or hearing anything during surgery. Some medications are administered intravenously, while others are inhaled as gases. A breathing tube may be inserted to assist with respiration, which the anesthesiologist carefully places in the patient’s throat while they are asleep under general anesthesia, removing it before the patient awakens.
What does an anesthesiologist do?
An anesthesiologist will meet with you prior to surgery and ask various questions, including:
- Any existing health problems?
- Any dental issues, such as loose or false teeth?
- Current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements?
- Smoking, alcohol consumption, or use of illegal drugs?
- Allergies to food or medications?
- Personal or familial history of complications with anesthesia medications?
The type of anesthesia administered depends on your answers to these questions and the specific surgery or procedure you will undergo. In some cases, you may have a choice between different types of anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will explain the anesthesia administration process and address any concerns or inquiries you may have.
They will monitor your breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate throughout the procedure, ensuring you remain unconscious if under general anesthesia.
Can I wake up during general anesthesia?
Waking up during general anesthesia is exceptionally rare, occurring in fewer than one out of every 15,000 operations. Anesthesiologists continuously adjust the medications to prevent patients from awakening during surgery.
Are there any side effects from anesthesia?
Each type of anesthesia carries potential side effects. For spinal blocks or epidurals, numbness may persist for a few hours after the procedure before wearing off. Other side effects can include headaches (sometimes referred to as “spinal headaches”) that may last several days. However, these headaches generally resolve on their own or with the help of pain-relieving medications and other treatments. Some patients may experience difficulty urinating temporarily until the anesthetic effects subside.
With general anesthesia, patients may feel groggy or confused for a short period after awakening. Additional side effects may include nausea and vomiting, which can be managed with medication. A sore throat may also occur if a breathing tube was used, but it typically improves quickly.
What else should I know about anesthesia?
Your safety is the primary concern of the anesthesiologist. Before your surgery, feel free to ask any questions regarding the risks and benefits of anesthesia as well as the most suitable type for you. After surgery, the anesthesiologist will monitor your recovery progress.
