Anesthesia basics

Local anesthesia Local anesthesia uses medicine to block sensations of pain from a specific area of the body. Local anesthetics are usually given by injection into the body area that needs to be anesthetized. They are not injected into the bloodstream (intravenous, IV). Local anesthetics may be given with other medicines that make you relaxed ... Read More

A wide variety of medicines are used to provide anesthesia. Their effects can be complex. And they can interact with other medicines to cause different effects than when they are used alone. Anyone receiving anesthesia-even procedural sedation-must be monitored continuously to protect and maintain vital body functions. The complex task of managing the delivery of ... Read More

You likely will be given anesthesia by an anesthesia specialist. Final preparations before your surgery may include: Attaching instruments to check your breathing, oxygen level, heart rate, blood pressure, and other body functions. Positioning your body for surgery. You will be placed in a position that allows your surgeon access to the appropriate body area ... Read More

Preparing for Anesthesia Being well-prepared for anesthesia may help you remain calm and relaxed. If you take the time to learn about your procedure and the anesthesia, you will be better able to understand the information and instructions you are given. Knowing what to expect can help decrease tension and anxiety. Usually, your surgeon’s office, ... Read More

Regional anesthesia Regional anesthesia is the use of local anesthetics to block sensations of pain from a large area of the body, such as an arm or leg or the abdomen. Regional anesthesia allows a procedure to be performed on a region of the body without your being unconscious. Major types of regional anesthesia include: ... Read More