Anesthesia and You
USAP’s anesthesiology professionals work closely with your physician and surgeon to make your surgical experience as positive as possible. Our commitment to providing high-quality anesthesia care and creating a positive experience for you is always our top priority.
We want you to go into your surgery feeling comfortable and relaxed. Below, you’ll find our Patient Guidebook as well as additional resources to help you prepare for your procedure and know what to expect afterward. If you don’t find answers to your questions here, please contact us.
I have had surgery many times, so I know what it is like to be a patient. My goal is to have a relaxed, informed patient going into the OR.
Types of Anesthesia
The goal of anesthesia is to administer medications through various techniques to assure your comfort and safety during a surgical procedure. He or she will maintain constant monitoring and vigilance to assess your response to both the surgery and anesthetic.
General anesthesia
General anesthesia is achieved through a combination of intravenous medications injected through an IV in your vein and/or inhalational agents (gases) you will breathe through a mask or breathing tube. General anesthesia provides a total loss of consciousness and pain control so you will not be aware of sensation or pain during your procedure. It is the most common type of anesthesia technique.
Regional anesthesia
Regional anesthesia blocks pain to a specific area of your body. Your anesthesia clinician injects medication near a targeted nerve, cluster of nerves or the spinal cord. You may also receive medication to help you relax during your procedure. Two main types of regional anesthesia are:
- Peripheral nerve blocks: This type of block targets a specific nerve or group of nerves most commonly for procedures on hands, arms, feet, legs or face.
- Epidural or spinal anesthesia: This is an injection for nerves in the spinal canal that blocks pain for a large area of the body such as the abdomen, hips or legs.
MAC (Monitored Anesthesia Care or Procedural/Conscious Sedation)
MAC involves IV medication to help you relax and reduce pain. You will not be completely “out” but can be very sleepy. For more detailed information on several anesthesia topics, visit the When Seconds Count website created by the American Society of Anesthesiologists: www.asahq.org/whensecondscount