FAQ

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANESTHESIA?

Several factors determine the best type of anesthesia ? the extent of surgery, the patient's general medical status, and the patient?s desires. There are basically three main types of anesthesia. Local anesthesia refers to topical sprays, ointments, or injections to numb up a given area. Injections can be diffuse to numb a general area, or specific nerve blocks can be performed to numb a very specific area. Intravenous sedation. Here, the patient typically receives not only injections to the surgical site but also medications through an intravenous line. The patient will not remember or feel any events and is breathing on his/her own. Supplemental oxygen is typically given through the nose or mouth. General anesthesia. This requires a temporary breathing tube typically through the mouth through which the anesthesiologist administers gaseous agents. The breathing tube is then removed at the end of the procedure. General anesthesia offers the ?deepest? level of anesthesia.

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