of anesthesia

Types of anesthesia include general, regional, and local anesthesia. In this article, we will learn about these types and the most prominent side effects resulting from anesthesia.

Before we learn in this article about the types of anesthesia, here is the most important information about anesthesia:

What is anesthesia?

Anesthesia is defined as giving medications that numb the body, with the aim of performing major surgeries such as open-heart surgeries, or minor procedures such as tooth extraction without feeling pain.

The type of anesthesia used for each procedure often depends on

Type of surgery.

The patient''s health condition.

Duration of the surgical procedure.

Opinion of the anesthesiologist and surgeon responsible for the procedure.

What are the types of anesthesia?

Types of anesthesia include the following

1. General anesthesia

General anesthesia is the most common type of anesthesia in major operations such as: heart surgery, joint replacement, etc. General anesthesia is given through a mask or intravenously.

When general anesthesia is used, the patient remains unconscious and does not feel pain, and his vital signs need to be monitored continuously, and he sometimes needs a ventilator to help him breathe.

After completing the surgical procedure, the anesthesiologist begins to remove the effect of general anesthesia. The patient usually wakes up in good condition after general anesthesia, but sometimes the patient may suffer from some side effects of anesthesia.

2. Regional anesthesia

Regional anesthesia is used to numb the body only at the surgical site. Forms of local anesthesia include the following:

Spinal anesthesia

Spinal anesthesia is done by injecting a single dose of medication into the area surrounding the spinal cord. This type is often used in lower limb surgery or lower abdominal surgery.

Epidural anesthesia

Epidural anesthesia is performed by injecting medication through a thin catheter into the space surrounding the spinal cord, causing numbness in the lower part of the body.

This type can be used in abdominal and thoracic surgery.

3. Local anesthesia

Local anesthesia is usually used for minor surgical procedures such as a skin biopsy. This anesthesia is administered by using a cream, spray, or syringe in the area of the surgical procedure.

What are the side effects of each type of anesthesia?

Side effects resulting from anesthesia vary depending on the type of anesthesia, and include the following:

1. Side effects of general anesthesia

Side effects of general anesthesia include

Nausea.

Goosebumps.

Vomiting.

sore throat.

Vertigo.

2. Side effects of regional anesthesia

Side effects of regional anesthesia include

Allergic reaction to anesthesia.

Bleeding around the spinal cord.

Spinal cord inflammation.

cramps.

Severe head pain.

Difficulty urinating.

Nerve damage.

Drop in blood pressure.

3. Side effects of local anesthesia

Side effects of local anesthesia are often few, including the following

Allergic reaction to anesthesia.

Pain in the anesthesia area.