subject: How Does Regional Anesthesia Work? [print this page] Any time someone has surgery, there are many things to consider. One is the surgery itself and what to expect from the outcome. Surgery is not usually performed unless there is a definite need. Therefore, while one does not necessarily look forward to surgery, it can mean the beginning of a new life.
One area of surgery that is sometimes not understood is anesthesia. In order for the surgeon to operate, the patient must be put into a very deep sleep. This is done by an anesthesiologist, a specialist who typically has at least 12 years of higher education to practice. Your anesthesiologist will remain with you throughout the surgery to guarantee your safety and wellbeing during the surgery.
Regional anesthesia is available in three main types: spinal anesthesia, nerve block and epidural. Regional anesthesia is different from other forms because it is directed at numbing one particular region of the body. This is different then general anesthesia which puts the entire body to sleep or local anesthesia which numbs only one particular and specific part of the body.
Spinal Anesthesia: This kind of anesthesia deposits a numbing medicine into the sac of the epidural. This is not to be confused with epidural anesthesia, which will be discussed next. Spinal anesthesia is sometimes called a "spinal" and is used for surgeries of the lower abdomen and also Caesarean-Sections (also called C-sections). Sometimes, a spinal will be used for operations on the legs. This type of anesthesia works by blocking pain sensations from going up the spinal cord into the brain. It is administered by inserting a needing directly into the epidural sac.
Epidural Anesthesia: An epidural is different from a spinal because the outside sac of the epidural is where the needle administers the anesthesia, rather than directly into the sac. Sometimes, pain medicine will also be added to the anesthesia so the pain medicine can be on site after the operation. The nerve supply leading to the hip, pelvis and lower body is involved with an epidural. These are often used with difficult childbirth and other surgeries involving the area of the body below the waist.
Regional Nerve Block: A nerve block is when a local anesthetic is injected into the area that requires numbing. Whenever a painful procedure must be done on the arms, hands, face, feet or legs, this is the most common type of anesthetic that is used. It is given near the nerve bundles so that the pain is blocked. The muscle then relaxes and that specific part of the body cannot be moved voluntarily, much like Novocain when one has dental work.
During surgeries using regional anesthesia, the patient is usually awake, but is sometimes sedated for part of the procedure. This option is usually left up to the patient. Regional anesthesia can be given through a single injection, through a catheter or intravenously.
While there are more risks involved with regional anesthesia than with local anesthesia, it is a very safe procedure. Once you talk to the anesthesiologist, you will understand the procedure better. These specialists are usually very kind and supportive, wanting to answer your questions. Learn as much as you can and with the help of your anesthesiologist, your surgery will be over in a short period of time!
