What is anesthesia?

If you’re reading this, you or someone you love is likely scheduled to receive anesthesia for surgery, treatment, or another medical procedure. We at NYSORA understand that this can be a time filled with uncertainty and possibly even fear. That is why we’ve compiled this guide to provide you with essential information about anesthesia, the professionals who administer it, the different types available, and how to prepare for and recover from it. Consider this your comprehensive resource for everything you need to know before and after your procedure.

To start, what is anesthesia?  Anesthesia involves using specific medications to block pain and other sensations during medical procedures.  Depending on the type, it can help you feel relaxed, numb, or completely unconscious. The primary goal of anesthesia is to ensure you remain pain-free, comfortable, and safe throughout your procedure. While we will cover the different types of anesthesia in more detail further on, your healthcare team will determine the most appropriate type for your specific needs and procedure.

What are the different types of anesthesia?

There are four main types of anesthesia to be aware of. Each type serves a different purpose depending on the nature and extent of the medical procedure. Here is an overview of the four types:

1. General Anesthesia: This type of anesthesia renders you completely unconscious and unaware of the procedure being performed. It is typically used for major surgeries and is administered either through an intravenous (IV) line or by inhaling anesthetic gases. Under general anesthesia, you are deeply asleep, feel no pain, and have no memory of the surgery.
2. Regional Anesthesia: This type of anesthesia numbs a larger region of the body, such as the lower half, making it ideal for procedures involving that area. Regional anesthesia is often used for surgeries below the waist, like a knee replacement or cesarean section (C-section). Within regional anesthesia, there are three sub-types:
   1. Spinal Anesthesia: Involves injecting anesthetic medication into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord. This method effectively numbs the lower half of the body and is commonly used for surgeries involving the lower abdomen, pelvis, or legs.
   2. Epidural Anesthesia: Administered into the epidural space around the spinal cord, this type is frequently used for pain relief during childbirth and for lower body surgeries. Unlike spinal anesthesia, an epidural can be continuously adjusted to manage pain levels.
   3. Nerve Blocks: This involves injecting anesthesia near specific nerves to numb a targeted area of the body, such as a limb or the face. Nerve blocks are often used for procedures like hand surgery or post-operative pain management.
3. Local Anesthesia: This type of anesthesia is used to numb a small, specific area of the body. It is commonly used for minor procedures, such as stitching a cut, removing a mole, or performing dental work. Under local anesthesia, you remain fully awake and aware, but the area being treated is numb and pain-free.
4. Sedation: Sedation uses medication to help you relax and feel drowsy while remaining awake. It is often combined with local or regional anesthesia for minor surgeries, diagnostic procedures, or procedures that do not require complete unconsciousness. Sedation can range from mild (making you feel relaxed) to deep (where you are on the edge of consciousness).

Each type of anesthesia serves a unique purpose, and your healthcare team will recommend the most suitable option based on your medical procedure, health status, and preferences.