Anes­the­sia

Anesthesia is a medication that blocks pain and sensation during surgery. At Onslow Memorial Hospital Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and Anesthesiologists are critical members of your anesthesia care team. They will determine the appropriate type and amount of anesthesia to administer during your surgery. CRNAs and Anesthesiologists also help to ensure a successful surgery by constantly monitoring and managing the slightest changes in any of your body functions.

Onslow Memorial Hospital utilizes an Anesthesia model that allows CRNAs to practice to their full scope of practice. CRNAs at Onslow work under the supervision of the surgeon or anesthesiologist. CRNAs are advanced practice nurses who have completed and specialized education and certification to assess, diagnose and manage medical issues.

Types of Anesthesia

The various types of anesthesia include:

• Local anesthesia: used for minor surgery, local anesthesia is usually given to numb and block the sense of pain in a particular area of the body. The patient remains conscious during minor surgery using local anesthesia.
• Regional anesthesia: regional anesthesia numbs only one large portion of the body. For example, an epidural anesthetic is commonly used to block pain for surgery involving the lower limbs, such as joint replacement or orthopedic trauma. It is also used during labor and childbirth.
• General anesthesia: general anesthesia blocks pain and induces unconsciousness during surgery. This type of anesthetic is either inhaled through a breathing mask or administered intravenously. When the surgery is complete, the anesthesiologist stops the anesthetic flow and the patient wakes up in the recovery room.

Preparing for Anesthesia

Before receiving anesthesia, it is important for patients to carefully follow instructions from their care team. Your care team will assess your current medical condition and thoroughly review your medical history to determine the most suitable type and dosage of anesthetic to use. Key factors they will consider include:

• Reactions to previous anesthetics
• Any recent or current prescription medications and supplements
• Known allergies
• Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption
• Use of illegal drugs

By providing accurate information, you can help ensure your safety during the procedure. If you have concerns or are nervous about using anesthesia during your next procedure, please contact your doctor.

Other preoperative preparation may involve fasting for a certain period before the procedure, stopping specific medications, and discussing any existing medical conditions with the anesthesiologist. Proper preparation helps reduce risks and ensures a smoother recovery.

Risks and Side Effects

Like any medical treatment, anesthesia carries potential risks and side effects. While modern anesthetic techniques are generally safe, some patients may experience mild side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, or dizziness after the procedure. More serious complications, though rare, can include allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, or changes in blood pressure. Patients with pre-existing health conditions may have a higher risk of complications and should discuss concerns with their anesthesiologist beforehand.

Recovery from Anesthesia

Recovery time depends on the type of anesthesia used. Patients who receive local or regional anesthesia typically recover quickly and may be able to go home the same day.

General anesthesia, however, often requires a longer recovery period, with patients being monitored in a post-anesthesia care unit until they are fully awake and stable. It is common to experience grogginess or confusion upon waking from general anesthesia, but these effects usually subside within a few hours.