Monday, February 22, 2016

The Four Kinds of Anesthesia


Dr. Aarohi Ambardekar is an anesthesiologist based in Maryland. Depending on the surgery his patients are undergoing, Dr. Aarohi Ambardekar chooses the proper anesthesia for the operation.

There are four different categories of anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs only one location. This is typically used for dental operations. Sometimes patients are awake for the surgery, but depending on the operation, they can also receive another form of anesthesia – a sedative, to help them sleep.

General anesthesia places the patient in a state of unconsciousness. The patient does not know what is happening during the surgery and does not feel any sensations.

For regional anesthesia, the doctor injects the medication near a group of nerves where the surgery will take place. This gives the patient numbness in just one part of his or her body. Sometimes patients receive a sedative, and other times they stay awake for the operation.

Surgeons and anesthesiologists work together to guarantee that patients receive the anesthesia that is best for them. After receiving anesthesia or sedation, people typically do not remember any details from the operation.