Your body is fighting to repair itself.
Facing a medical procedure is scary. We put our bodies in the hands of medical professionals with the expectation that they will do everything in their power to keep us safe and healthy.
There are several types of anesthesia procedures to consider before your surgery. Selecting the type of anesthesia you will receive is an essential part of your pre-op preparations.
This article will provide insight into the different anesthesia types so you can make the best decision for your health.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is the most common type of anesthesia. It is a type of anesthesia that numbs the entire body and puts you to sleep. This type of anesthesia is also used for major surgeries. It is safe and effective for most types of surgery.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia, which is also called local anesthetic, is another type of anesthesia for painless surgery. It is a one-time injection of medicine that numbs a specific area of the body. It is most commonly used for minor surgical procedures.
It is most commonly used for skin or breast biopsy, stitching a deep cut, or even repairing a broken bone.
Spinal Anesthesia
Spinal anesthesia, which is also called spinal block, is another option and numbs the lower half of the body. The patient is awake but does not feel pain below the waist.
This type of anesthesia is often used for procedures in which the patient is lying on their stomach or back.
Anesthetists are the ones who perform these kinds of tasks. A very fine needle is injected into the middle of the lower back and a local anesthetic is inserted through the needle into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord to cause the loss of feeling.
Spinal anesthesia is very safe for patients as well.
Epidural Anesthesia
One type of anesthesia is epidural anesthesia, which is often used for procedures involving the lower extremities. This type of anesthesia numbs the area around the spinal cord, which can provide pain relief for the patient during surgery.
Epidural anesthesia also controls blood pressure and heart rate during surgery, which can be beneficial for both the patient and the surgeon.
Use of Anesthesia Machines
Anesthesia machines are medical devices used to generate and deliver medical gases to a patient during surgery. There are different types of anesthesia machines available on the market.
Vaporizer Anesthesia Machine
This machine uses a vaporizer to deliver medical gases to the patient. The vaporizer is typically filled with a liquid anesthetic, such as propofol, which is then vaporized and delivered to the patient.
Injectable Anesthesia Machine
This machine uses an injectable anesthetic, such as ketamine, to deliver medical gases to the patient. The injectable anesthesia machine is typically used for shorter procedures, as it does not require the use of a vaporizer.
Incessant Anesthesia Machine
This machine delivers medical gases to the patient continuously. The incessant anesthesia machine is typically used for longer procedures, as it can provide a constant flow of medical gases to the patient.
Learn About the Different Anesthesia Types Today
Surgery can be a scary and daunting experience, but with the right anesthesia, it can be a much smoother and less anxious process.
There are several anesthesia types available for surgery, and the best option will depend on the type of surgery performed. Speak with your surgeon ahead of time to ensure that you are getting the best possible care for your surgery.
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Andrea Parker is a reporter for Zobuz. She previously worked at Huffington Post and Vanity Fair. Andrea is based in NYC and covers issues affecting her city. In addition to her severe coffee addiction, she’s a Netflix enthusiast, a red wine drinker, and a voracious reader.
