What Are the Different Types of Anesthesia That Exists Today?

 

Did you know that the first surgery with anesthesia was performed in 1846? Since then, anesthesia has helped medical professionals to successfully perform millions of surgeries.

There are many different types of anesthesia that exist, and each has its own set of benefits and risks.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable and how they work.

General Anesthesia

As you might guess, general anesthesia is one of the most common types today. It’s also one of the most effective, as it leads to complete unconsciousness during surgery. General anesthesia is typically administered through an IV, and it works by depressing the central nervous system.

Regional Anesthesia

Regional anesthesia is another common type of anesthesia, but it works differently than general anesthesia. Rather than depressing the central nervous system, regional anesthesia numbs a specific body area.

This is often done through an injection near the nerves that supply sensation to the area being operated on.

The most common type of regional anesthesia is epidural anesthesia, which is often used during childbirth. This numbs the lower half of the body while still allowing the mother to be awake and aware.

Other types of regional anesthesia include spinal anesthesia, which numbs the whole body below the injection site.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is different from regional anesthesia in that it only numbs a small, specific area.

It works by blocking the nerves that supply sensation to the area being operated on. Local anesthesia is typically injected directly into the tissue. One of the most common types of local anesthesia is lidocaine, which dentists use for dental procedures.

It is also the active ingredient in many over-the-counter numbing creams. The main advantage of local anesthesia is that it has a very low risk of complications. The downside is that it only works for a short period of time.

How Does the Body Function During Sedation?

Many people don’t understand how the body is able to regulate itself under anesthesia. When you’re asleep, your body is able to naturally regulate its temperature, heart rate, and breathing.

Anesthesiologists are able to mimic this process using a variety of drugs. Some of the most common drugs used include propofol and etomidate. Propofol is often used for short procedures, as it only takes a few minutes for the body to metabolize it.

Etomidate is a longer-acting drug that can be used for procedures that last up to an hour.

What Types of Surgeries Require the Most Anesthesia?

Some surgeries are more complex than others, meaning they require more a higher level of expertise to administer.

The type of surgery will also dictate how long the anesthesia will be required. For example, a simple procedure like a tonsillectomy only requires local anesthesia, while a more complex surgery like a heart transplant will require general anesthesia.

The length of the surgery is also a factor to consider. A short surgery like a wisdom tooth extraction only requires a short-acting drug like propofol, while a longer surgery like a knee replacement will require a longer-acting drug like etomidate.

What Are the Risks of Anesthesia?

As with any type of medication, there are always some risks associated with anesthesia. The good news is that most complications are minor and can be easily treated.

Some of the more common complications include nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.

More serious complications are rare, but they can occur. These include allergic reactions, airway obstruction, and cardiovascular problems.

You can minimize the risk of complications by visiting a reputable anesthesiology clinic instead of a new medical practice.

What Should I Do if I Have a Reaction to Anesthesia?

If you experience any complications after surgery, it’s important to contact your doctor right away. They will be able to determine if the complication is serious and treat it accordingly.

It’s worth noting that having an adverse reaction is exceedingly rare. So, most people won’t experience any problems at all.

What Should I Expect After Surgery?

After you wake up from surgery, you will be closely monitored by the nursing staff and medical practitioner. They will make sure that you are recovering well and that there are no complications. You will likely stay in the hospital for a few days after your surgery so that the staff can keep an eye on you.

You will likely feel fatigued or groggy as the anesthesia wears off. If a patient is able to be discharged shortly after the surgery concludes, it’s also not uncommon for many people to have little to no memory of leaving the facility. However, this will vary from person to person.

How Do I Become an Anesthesiologist?

If you’re interested in becoming an anesthesiologist, you’ll need to complete a four-year undergraduate degree followed by four years of medical school. After that, you’ll need to complete a three-year residency program in anesthesiology.

Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be eligible to take the exams required to become certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Becoming an anesthesiologist is a long and difficult process, but it can be extremely rewarding.

Understanding the Different Types of Anesthesia Is Easier Than It Seems

Although the different types of anesthesia might seem confusing at first, they are much easier to understand than most people anticipate. Just be sure that you keep the above information in mind.

Our blog has plenty of other info that can help you out in the future. Be sure to check out the rest of our blog!