UNDERSTANDING ANESTHESIA

Anesthesia 101

Anesthesia is not a big, scary procedure. In fact, it is administered to assure your comfort and safety during whichever surgical procedure an individual may find themselves in need of.

Anesthesia is administered by either an Anesthesiologist or a Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA).

Anesthesiologists

Our anesthesiologists are physicians specialized in the field of anesthesia. Each has completed four years of medical school and a minimum of four additional years of anesthesia residency. All our physicians are Board Certified or Board Eligible.

CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)

Our CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses specialized in the field of anesthesia. Each has completed a minimum of BSN degree in nursing, worked as a registered nurse in critical care settings, and then completed a minimum of 2-3 years for their Master’s or Doctoral degree in anesthesia. All our CRNAs are Board Certified by national exam

Knowing how anesthesia works and who will be administering it can be pivotal in patient comfort.

TYPES OF ANESTHESIA

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia produces unconsciousness and loss of sensation throughout the entire body. This type of anesthesia may require the use of a breathing device to assist your ventilation during the procedure. The device is typically placed after you are fully asleep and removed prior to you remembering. You will regain consciousness in the recovery room after your procedure is complet

Regional Anesthesia

Regional anesthesia involves an injection of numbing anesthetic near a group of nerves resulting in numbing the area, or region, of the body requiring surgery. There are many different types of regional anesthesia, but the most commonly known are used for childbirth: spinal anesthesia or epidural anesthesia. With other types, our providers are experts in the usage of ultrasound technology to identify not just the targeted nerve(s), but also to avoid other important structures such as arteries and veins. Regional anesthesia is often used to assist with controlling post operative pain as well. For the procedure, you may or may not be given a sedative, but will not feel the surgery.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia involves an injection of numbing anesthetic to a very specific area of the body such as a foot or hand. Most patients are familiar with local anesthesia from their dentist where just one tooth is numbed. This type of anesthesia is typically for minor surgeries. You may or may not be given a sedative in addition.