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Anesthesia refers to the combination of medications and/or treatments that relieve pain and decrease sensation/awareness. Some anesthesia will put you in a sleeplike state that allows surgical/invasive procedures to be performed effectively while ensuring safety. Anesthesia is used for many different reasons including, but not limited to: childbirth, filling a tooth, minor/major surgeries and medical procedures such as colonoscopies.

The type of anesthesia delivered is based on the needs of the patient and the procedure/surgery that is being performed.

• Local Anesthesia: If you have ever had Novocaine at the dentist’s office, you have had a local anesthetic. Local anesthesia reduces pain in a small focused area by blocking nerve impulses in that area. The patient remains awake when receiving local anesthesia.
• Regional Anesthesia: Regional anesthesia is used for larger regions of the body. Depending on the reason for anesthesia, this type may be used independently or in conjunction with sedation medications.
• Epidural: Epidural is frequently used in childbirth. A small catheter is inserted near the sac of fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. Medications to alleviate sensation and/or pain are infused into the area.
• Spinal Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is inserted directly into the sac of fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. The effects of the anesthetic are felt immediately.
• Peripheral Nerve Block: This is a specific type of regional anesthesia where an anesthetic is injected near a specific nerve or bundle of nerves to block sensations of pain from that specific area. Pain relief from peripheral nerve blocks last longer than general anesthetic medications; usually 24-36 hours. The use of a peripheral nerve block also decreases the need for alternative pain medications, such as opioids.
• General Anesthesia: This type of anesthesia delivery is commonly used. The length and type of procedure/surgery and potential for blood loss determine if general anesthesia will be used. A patient receiving general anesthesia will be in a sleep-like state and unable to move. A breathing tube may be placed to maintain the patient’s airway.
• Monitored Anesthesia Care: This level of anesthesia is used for minimally invasive procedures. Medications are injected into the bloodstream through a catheter (IV), breathed into the lungs or administered by other routes. A patient is expected to maintain their own airway with this delivery, and all our anesthesiologists are comfortable at transitioning to general anesthesia delivery if required.