|  | Surgeries Operations | Surgeries

Types of Anesthetics

Anesthetics are used during surgery and other medical procedures to reduce or prevent pain. Anesthesia can block sensation to a small location of the body or put the patient completely under so he feels and remembers nothing. The type of anesthesia used depends on the area and length of the procedure as well as the patient's physical health and history. Anesthesia is given by a trained anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist.

  1. Local Anesthetic

    • A local anesthetic numbs only a small location where medical procedures are to be performed. The use of Novocaine during dental surgery is an example. It is most the most common type of anesthesia used for outpatient procedures and wears off quickly. Patients are often awake and alert during the procedure, but can be given a sedative if necessary.

    Regional

    • When the area being operated on is too large for a local anesthetic, a regional anesthetic may be used. There are several different types. In a peripheral nerve block, medication is injected into the area around the nerves. It is commonly used for procedures involving the limbs and face. A spinal block injects anesthesia near the spinal cord to the numb the nerves that connect to an entire region in the body. C-section and other abdominal surgeries often require a spinal block. This type of anesthesia can cause severe headaches called spinal headaches. It can also depress respiration and requires careful monitoring until it wears off.

    General

    • General anesthesia puts the patient to sleep and keeps him from feeling anything or from remembering the procedure. It is most commonly given through an IV or as an inhaled gas and is used for surgeries that take longer or require the patient to remain in an uncomfortable position. While it rarely causes severe side effects in healthy people, certain conditions, medications and lifestyle choices can increase the risk of complications. These include respiratory problems, heart conditions, smoking, alcohol use and use of aspirin or other blood thinners. Possible rare complications are lung infection, heart attack, stroke and death.

    Conscious Sedation

    • Conscious sedation is a form of sedation that allows the patient to stay awake and alert yet still not feel the procedure. It is often used with a medication to induce temporary amnesia, such as Versed. The benefit of conscious sedation is that the patient is able to respond to questions and provide verbal feedback throughout the procedure. It is most commonly used in outpatient procedures such as minor surgeries, biopsies and dental work.

    Considerations

    • Some types of anesthesia require fasting for a certain period, usually eight to ten hours before the procedure. Since it can take several hours for certain forms to wear off completely, it may be necessary to bring someone along to drive afterward. Ask the doctor or surgeon if any medications or supplements can interfere with the anesthesia. Follow all preoperative and postoperative instructions to avoid risking complications.

Surgeries - Related Articles