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Understanding Anesthesia FAQs

At North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA), we pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to individualized, quality patient care. Our patients expect and deserve the safest anesthesiology services possible from our experienced anesthesia clinicians.

We understand that having a surgical procedure is a stressful experience but, rest assured, you are in good hands. Our patients always come first and everything we do revolves around them. Our goal is to help you and your loved ones become more prepared and relaxed for your surgery and anesthesia.

To help educate and guide you through the process, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about local, regional, and general anesthesia and their answers.

Clinical Questions

These are the most common questions. If you have others or need clarification on some of the information provided here, we suggest you speak directly to the anesthesiologist performing your procedure.

Are there different types of anesthesia?

Yes. There are three main types of anesthesia: local, regional, and general. Each has many forms and uses.

Local Anesthesia

In local anesthesia, the anesthetic drug is usually injected into the tissue to numb the specific location of your body having minor surgery (for example, the hand or foot).

Regional Anesthesia

In regional anesthesia, your anesthesiologist injects near a cluster of nerves to numb the area of your body that requires surgery. You may remain awake, or you may be given a sedative. Either way, you will not see or feel the actual surgery take place. There are several kinds of regional anesthesia. Two of the most frequently used are spinal anesthesia and epidural anesthesia, produced by injections made with great exactness into the appropriate areas of the back. Both are typically used during childbirth and prostate surgery.

General Anesthesia

With general anesthesia, you are unconscious and have no awareness or sensation. General anesthetic drugs include gases and vapors inhaled through a breathing mask or tube and medications introduced through a vein. Your anesthesiologist will carefully monitor and control your primary bodily functions during anesthesia via sophisticated equipment. A breathing tube may be inserted through your mouth and frequently into the windpipe to maintain proper breathing during this period. The length and level of anesthesia are calculated and constantly adjusted with great precision. After surgery, your anesthesiologist will reverse the process, and you will regain consciousness in the recovery room.

What are the risks of anesthesia?

All operations and all anesthesia procedures have some risks associated with them. These risks depend upon many factors, including the type of surgery and the patient’s medical condition. Fortunately, adverse events are very rare. Rest assured that your anesthesiologist will take precautions to prevent an accident, just as you do when driving a car or crossing the street.

Since the specific risks may vary, depending on what you are having done and your condition, we suggest you ask your anesthesiologist about the risks that may be associated with your upcoming anesthesia procedure.

Can I eat or drink before my anesthesia procedure?

As a general rule, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. In some instances, the anesthesiologist may give a patient permission to drink clear liquids up to a few hours before the anesthesia procedure.

Should I take my usual medicines?

Some medications can and should be taken, and others should not. It is important to thoroughly discuss this issue with your surgeon or anesthesiologist to prevent any adverse effects. Do not interrupt any medication unless your anesthesiologist or surgeon specifically recommends it.

Could herbal medicines or other dietary supplements affect my anesthesia?

Anesthesiologists are currently researching exactly how certain herbs and dietary supplements interact with certain anesthetics. They are finding that certain herbal medicines may prolong the effects of anesthesia. Others may increase the risk of bleeding or raise blood pressure. Some effects may be subtle and less critical, but for anesthesiologists, it is better to anticipate a possible reaction than to react to an unexpected situation. That is why it is essential to tell your doctor about everything you usually take before you have surgery.

How is an epidural block performed for labor and delivery?

An epidural block is given in the lower back while sitting up or lying on your side. The block is administered below the level of the spinal cord. First, the anesthesiologist will use a local anesthetic to numb an area of your lower back. Then a special needle is placed in the epidural space just outside the spinal sac.