Everything You Need To Know About Anesthesia

EXPERT PERSPECTIVE originally published by AEDITION.

For most people considering a surgical procedure, one of the biggest concerns is going under anesthesia. Here's what you need to know. Editor's note: much of this content is in reference to cosmetic surgery however the principles shared here are applicable to many types of surgery including knee replacement.

by India Bottomley

For anyone considering a surgical procedure, one of the biggest concerns is about anesthesia and the potential risks associated with it. The good news is that modern cosmetic surgery often allows for different types of anesthesia and, while general anesthesia should not always be looked upon as a risky option, patients can be offered a choice of anesthesia and how awake they want to be during their procedure. But even if you are considering a minimally invasive procedure, you will likely be given some form of anesthesia in order to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

Anesthetics are drugs administered to reduce sensitivity to pain. There are many types of anesthetics, from topical numbing creams to drugs that are administered intravenously (through an IV). The type of anesthetic drugs used in any given procedure will largely depend on the type of surgery being performed, but the goal of anesthetic is always to keep the patient comfortable and to allow the practitioner to do their work without causing pain. Common anesthetics fall into four categories.

Local Anesthesia

Many types of procedures can be carried out using only local anesthesia, which targets a small area of the body. Drugs are usually administered by individual injections around the area that will be treated, so the most discomfort you will feel during the procedure will be those initial pin pricks. After that, you may experience some pressure while the medical procedure is carried out, but you should not feel any pain. Local anesthesia allows the patient to be fully awake and alert during treatment and most people have their first experience of local anesthesia at the dentist’s office when having a minor procedure.

Benefits of local anesthesia:

* Minimal down time

* Less preparation before your procedure

* Fewer side effects

* Ability to go home shortly after the procedure

The biggest benefit of local anesthesia is a reduction in downtime. By reducing the chances of side effects, including nausea and vomiting that can be associated with other types of anesthesia, and since the patient remains fully conscious during the process, it allows those who have a procedure under local anesthetic to go home on the same day and return to their normal activities quickly.

The decision to use local anesthesia will depend on a number of factors, including the nature of the procedure, your medical history, and your personal choice. Local anesthesia can sometimes be combined with sedation, especially if you are a nervous patient who could find it distressing to be fully alert during a procedure.

Regional Anesthesia

Regional anesthesia is a form of anesthetic that numbs a specific part of the body, but a larger area than possible with local anesthetic.