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Anesthesia & Care Questions — Answered

Clear, straightforward answers to help you understand anesthesia care, billing, safety, and what to expect before and after your procedure.

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.

An anesthesiologist is a specially trained nurse or physician who specializes in anesthesia. All nurse and physician anesthesiologists at Collaborative Anesthesia Partners are board-certified and experienced in independent anesthesia practice. Having a physician or nurse anesthesiologist will make no difference in the safety of your anesthesia, type of anesthesia or how it is delivered.

Although anesthesia delivery is not without the risk of adverse effects, it is generally safe. Your anesthesiologist will discuss the risks and benefits of anesthesia with you before having you sign a consent for anesthesia treatment.

The more common risks associated with receiving anesthesia include post-operative nausea/vomiting, grogginess/confusion, feelings of cold/shivering and sore throat (if a breathing tube was placed by the anesthesiologist during your procedure/surgery).

It is extremely dangerous to be sedated with food or liquid in your stomach. If there is food or fluid in the stomach, a life-threatening complication called aspiration may occur. You must NOT eat or drink anything for (8) hours before your scheduled procedure/surgery.

Your anesthesiologist will meet with you before your procedure/surgery. They will review your current and past medical history with you; including any procedures/surgeries where you have received anesthesia. They will discuss any allergies you have along with any medications (prescription, over-the-counter and herbal supplements) you are currently taking.

Disclosing correct information regarding the use of alcohol, illicit drugs and smoking is very important as these substances can impact your response to anesthesia during your procedure/surgery. This shared information is confidential. If you currently smoke; please refrain from smoking before your procedure/surgery for at least 24 hours (the longer the better). Benefits to smoking abstinence in anesthesia delivery can be seen in as little as 12 hours.

Your anesthesiologist will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding your anesthesia plan of care at this time. Depending on your procedure/surgery, your anesthesiologist ma

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