Anesthesia

Overview

Anesthesia is given to reduce pain before a surgery or a procedure. Types of anesthesia given will depend on a number of factors such as the type of surgery, the duration of the surgery, your overall health, your medication history and your previous experience with anesthesia. Anesthesia can be divided into three main categories, namely local, regional and general anesthesia. Local anesthesia only numbs a specific area of your body such as a part of your skin on your hand. It is mainly used in minor outpatient procedures. The anesthetic medication used lasts for a short period of time, usually just enough to cover slightly more than the duration of the procedure. Regional anesthesia is given near a group of nerves to numb a larger area of your body. Meanwhile, general anesthesia makes you completely unconscious. You do not feel pain and will not be able to recall any event that happens during the surgery.