Anesthesia is one of the great inventions of modern medicine. The use of anesthesia makes safe and effective pain relief possible. As a result, a doctor can help any patient through anything from the birth of twins to a sudden appendix rupture to scheduled optional surgery. Anesthesia services can be provided by several types of medical professionals including anesthesiologists, certified nurse anesthetists and dentists. Each medical professional has been highly trained to make sure the patient is put to sleep fully as well as how to respond should a medical emergency arise during the course of surgery. Knowing the kinds of services offered by a medical professional can help any patient relax. A medical professional can help ease any fears that the patient may have about the prospect of being putting under even for a short period of time.
General Anesthesia
This is what most people think about when they think about anesthesia services. During this time, the patient is fully under the influence of the drugs and cannot be directly awoken even when feeling pain. This kind of anesthesia can administered in several ways including inhaled gas and the insertion of medications directly into a vein. While under this kind of anesthesia, the patient may not be able to breathe. Consequently, the patient can be placed on ventilator to make sure their breathing remains regulated. Recovery can take a few hours.
Regional Anesthesia
Another kind of anesthesia is known as a regional anesthesia. This type of anesthesia is used to block off sensation in a single part of the patient’s body. It is typically given in the form of an injection adjacent to the area where there is a problem. The intent is to disrupt the flow of nerve messages that can signal pain. This kind of anesthesia is typically used to allow the patient to receive stitches or other medical services. During this time, the patient remains conscious and able to respond to commands. Recovery time is typically short as the medication offers wears off within an hour of administration.
An Epidural
Giving birth can be a hugely painful experience. In order to help women concentration on giving birth rather than pain, a doctor may administer an epidural. The epidural blocks all the nerves in the lower part of the body. These type of anesthesia services are administered by a specialist who inserts an anesthesia in the laboring woman’s back. The timing of the medication will depend on the several factors including how far the labor has progressed. The epidural may also be given in the event the laboring woman needs a sudden c-section. Recovery time from the epidural varies. Some women recover more quickly than others. Many women get instant relief that does not wear off for several hours after the labor has been completed.