What is anesthesia?
Anesthesia uses medicine before and during procedures and surgeries to temporarily alter consciousness and block pain.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia plays a vital role in keeping you comfortable and pain-free during surgery and medical procedures. At Sioux Center Health, our compassionate team of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) is dedicated to not only your safety but also your calm and confidence. We’re honored to be by your side, easing your worries and helping you feel safe every step of the way.
What are the types of anesthesia?
The anesthesia used depends on the type and scope of the procedure. Options include:
Local anesthesia numbs a small section of the body. The local anesthesia medication is often administered by the surgeon without an anesthesia provider present and the patient is awake during the procedure.
Regional anesthesia blocks pain in a larger part of your body, such as a limb or everything below your chest. You may be awake during the procedure, or you may be given sedation. Regional anesthesia may be used during childbirth, a C-section, or minor surgeries.
General anesthesia makes you unconscious, unable to feel pain, and unable to remember what happens during the procedure. General anesthesia is used for more invasive surgeries.
Sedation is a state of sleeping that relaxes you. Sedation is used for outpatient procedures, such as a colonoscopy, where the patient is expected to go home after the anesthesia has completely worn off. The depth of your sleepiness depends on the type and dose of medications given through a vein.
There are two main types of sedation used: conscious sedation and deep sedation:
- Conscious sedation makes you drowsy and forgetful but can still follow simple instructions while asleep.
- Deep sedation puts you more deeply asleep. At very high doses, it can achieve “general anesthesia” as used in surgeries. Deep sedation requires closer patient monitoring.
An epidural is a common and effective form of pain relief used during labor and delivery. It involves the careful placement of medication near the spinal cord, in the epidural space, to block pain from the lower part of the body. The result is significant pain reduction, while still allowing the mother to stay alert and active during childbirth.
At Sioux Center Health, our compassionate Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) specialize in administering epidurals with skill and care. We understand that every birth experience is unique, and our team is committed to supporting you through a safe, comfortable, and empowering labor process.
Whether you’re considering an epidural as part of your birth plan or want to learn more about your options, our amazing CRNAs are here to answer your questions and provide the personalized care you deserve.
How is anesthesia administered?
Depending on the procedure and type of anesthesia needed, your healthcare provider may deliver the anesthesia via:
- Inhaled gas
- Injection, including shots or intravenously (IV)
- Topical (applied to skin or eyes) liquid, spray, or patch
How should I prepare for anesthesia?
Make sure your healthcare provider has a current list of your medications and supplements (vitamins and herbal medications). Certain drugs can interact with anesthesia or cause bleeding and increase the risk of complications. Your provider or nurse will give you further instructions.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
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