Anaesthesiology

Types of Anaesthesia:

There are four main types of anesthetics that are used in the healthcare industry. The type of anesthesia to be used by the anesthesiologist depends on many factors like the procedure of surgery and the current health of the patient.

Local anesthesia

Numbs one small area of the body. Patient stays awake and alert during the procedure.

Conscious or intravenous (IV) sedation

Uses a mild sedative to relax the patient and a pain medicine to relieve pain. Patient stays awake, but may not remember the procedure afterwards.

Regional anesthesia

Blocks pain in an area of the body, such an arm or leg. Epidural anesthesia, which is sometimes used during childbirth, is a type of regional anesthesia.

General anesthesia

Acts on the entire body. The patient goes to sleep and feels nothing. He/she has no memory of the procedure performed.

Why should patients care about anesthesia?

Anesthesiologists use specialized techniques during surgery to make surgeries safe and comfortable for the patient. For example, the method of controlled lowering of the blood pressure during hip surgery reduces bleeding and the need for transfusions.

Good pain management is desirable from the patients’ perspective. Good pain management also helps patients perform physical therapy and leads to better surgical outcomes after many orthopedic procedures. It may also reduce the rate of heart attacks and other postoperative complications.