Anesthesia involves the use of medications to block pain sensations (analgesia) during surgery and other medical procedures. Anesthesia also reduces many of your body's normal stress reactions to surgery.

The type of Anesthesia used for your surgery depends on:

• Your medical history, including other surgeries you have had and any conditions you have (such as diabetes). You will also be asked whether you have had any allergic reactions to any anesthetics or medications or whether any family members have had reactions to anesthetics.
• The results of your physical examination. A physical exam will be done to evaluate your current health and identify any potential risks or complications that may affect your Anesthesia care.
• Tests such as blood tests or an electrocardiogram, if needed.
• The type of surgery that you are having.
  • You need to be able to lie still and remain calm during surgery done with local or regional Anesthesia.
  • Young children usually cannot stay still during surgery and need general Anesthesia.
  • Adults who are extremely anxious, in pain, or have muscle disorders also may have difficulty remaining relaxed and cooperative.
  • Some surgical procedures require specific positions that may be uncomfortable for long periods if you are awake.
  • Some procedures require the use of medications that cause muscle relaxation and affect your ability to breathe on your own. In such cases, your breathing can best be supported if general Anesthesia is used.

Based on your medical condition, your anesthesia specialist may prefer one type of anesthesia over another for your surgery. When the risks and benefits of different anesthesia options are equal, your anesthesia specialist may let you choose the type of Anesthesia.

Anesthesia methods

There are several ways that Anesthesia can be given.

• Local Anesthesia involves injection of a local anesthetic (numbing agent) directly into the surgical area to block pain sensations. It is used only for minor procedures on a limited part of the body. You may remain awake, though you will likely receive medicine to help you relax or sleep during the surgery.
• Regional anesthesia involves injection of a local anesthetic (numbing agent) around major nerves or the spinal cord to block pain from a larger but still limited part of the body. You will likely receive medicine to help you relax or sleep during surgery. Major types of regional Anesthesia include:
  • Peripheral nerve blocks. A local anesthetic is injected near a specific nerve or group of nerves to block pain from the area of the body supplied by the nerve. Nerve blocks are most commonly used for procedures on the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face.
  • Epidural and spinal Anesthesia. A local anesthetic is injected near the spinal cord and nerves that connect to the spinal cord to block pain from an entire region of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, or legs.
• General anesthesia is given into a vein (intravenously) or is inhaled. It affects the brain as well as the entire body. You are completely unaware and do not feel pain during the surgery. In addition, general Anesthesia often causes forgetfulness (amnesia) right after surgery (postoperative period).