What is Anesthesia? What are the Types of Anesthesia?

Anesthesia is a term meaning the loss of sensation. The drugs that cause anesthesia are called anesthetics.

 

Anesthesia refers to the loss of sensation and is caused by anesthetic drugs. These drugs are used to numb specific areas of the body, make them insensible, or put the patient to sleep during surgeries or certain tests. Without anesthesia, medical procedures that would cause pain and be impossible to perform are made possible, providing patients with comfortable diagnosis and treatment options.

Among the various anesthetics, the most commonly known types are local anesthesia and general anesthesia:

Local Anesthesia: This type of anesthesia numbs a small area of the body, while the patient remains fully conscious and aware of their surroundings. Local anesthesia is typically used for minor procedures.

General Anesthesia: This type of anesthesia makes the patient completely unconscious, unaware, and unresponsive to the procedure being performed. General anesthesia is generally used for more extensive surgeries.

The methods for applying anesthesia vary depending on the location and the procedure required. Based on the type of anesthesia needed, a doctor can use several different methods. These applications include:

• Injection
• Inhalation
• Topical Lotion
• Spray
• Eye Drops
• Skin Patch

What are the Types of Anesthesia?

The type of anesthesia chosen by your specialist depends on the type and extent of the procedure to be performed. After your doctor presents the available options and informs you, they will decide on the necessary anesthesia for the planned surgery or diagnostic test. The following are common types of anesthesia you may encounter:

Local Anesthesia: This type of anesthesia numbs a small part of the body. It is often used for minor procedures such as cataract surgery or skin biopsies. The patient remains conscious during the procedure, meaning they are awake.

Sedation: Also known as "twilight sleep." Sedation works by relaxing the patient until they are drowsy. If communication with the patient is needed during the procedure, they can awaken. Common procedures where sedation is used include wisdom tooth extraction, heart catheterization, and some colonoscopies. As sedation helps the patient sleep, they may not remember the procedure afterward.

Regional Anesthesia: This type of anesthesia, unlike local anesthesia, blocks pain in a larger part of the body. For example, epidural anesthesia used to relieve labor pain or a nerve block for hand surgery are forms of regional anesthesia. It can also be used in combination with sedation.

General Anesthesia: In this type of anesthesia, the patient becomes unconscious. General anesthesia makes the patient insensitive to pain or other stimuli. It is especially useful for major surgeries or procedures.

If the specialist deems it appropriate, different types of anesthesia can be used in combination. For example, after a surgery, general anesthesia may be combined with regional anesthesia to manage post-surgical pain.

What is Pre-Anesthesia Assessment?

Before the anesthesia procedure, the anesthesia specialist conducts an interview with the patient to gather information. During this interview, the specialist asks about the patient's medical history and which medications they are taking, if any. Typically, the following information is required for the patient's assessment before anesthesia:

• Whether the patient has any allergies,
• Whether the patient has any systemic health issues such as high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, sleep apnea, or thyroid disorders, and how long these problems have persisted,
• Whether the patient has respiratory issues such as asthma, COPD, bronchitis, or similar conditions,
• The patient's use of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), steroid medications, insulin, or oral hypoglycemics,
• Whether the patient experiences numbness or weakness in their arms or legs, which provides information about the circulatory system,
• Whether the patient has any known bleeding disorders,
• The patient’s pregnancy status,
• Whether the patient has had any allergic reactions to anesthetic drugs in the past.

These are common questions asked before anesthesia procedures. You can share any concerns or questions you have regarding the surgery, recovery process, or anesthesia with your doctor. This will help you enter the procedure knowing what to expect from both the anesthesia and the surgery.

What is Spinal Anesthesia?

Spinal anesthesia is a method of anesthesia that numbs the lower part of the body, typically used during cesarean births. The healthcare provider administers anesthetic medication to the spinal cord from the lower back. The anesthetic effect begins immediately after the injection. The effect is not long-lasting, and the anesthetic material can only be applied once. If you have questions about the type of anesthesia used before a cesarean delivery, you may want to consult with your obstetrician.

Who Should Not Receive Anesthesia?

The decision of who is suitable for anesthesia is made by the specialist. The patient's condition, the size of the operation or procedure, their medical history, and other factors influence the doctor's decision. Therefore, if you have any questions about anesthesia, you can consult with a nearby healthcare facility.