What are the Different Types Of Anaesthesia?

A general anesthetic is one in which the patient is rendered unconscious by administration of intravenous and/or inhalation anesthetics for the period of surgery. A member of the Anesthesia Team closely monitors the patient's major bodily functions. A special soft tube is usually required during general anesthesia this is passed down the breathing tube of the patient after unconsciousness has set in. You can refer to an interactive tutorial here.

•  A regional anesthetic blocks the electrical nerve impulses in a nerve or group of nerves to the site of the surgical procedure.
•  A local anesthetic prevents pain by inducing the loss of sensation in a certain area of the body while the patient remains awake.
•  Epidural anaesthesia: In this form of anaesthesia the anaesthetist inserts a very thin tube through a special blunt needle between the bones of your vertebral column. The thin tube rests in a space, which surrounds the spinal cord. The pertinent nerves reside in this area and this method is also used to provide pain relief during delivery and after surgery. You can see an interactive tutorial about epidural anaesthesia here.
•  Sedation is a type of anesthesia where a drug is given to calm a patient during an otherwise excited, uncomfortable, or anxious period of time. Often administered to patients immediately prior to surgery or during uncomfortable medical procedures such as endoscopy, cardiac cath, and imaging procedures including painful dressing.

Who gives Anaesthesia?

Qualified doctors, who are known as anaesthetists, administer anaesthesia. A doctor becomes an anaesthetist after a two to three year postgraduate training after MBBS. Axon Anaesthesia Associates provides a "team care" approach, an anaesthetist evaluates a patient before surgery and discusses it with peers and formulates a plan for anaesthesia suitable for the patient. An anaesthetist is present with the patient for the duration of the procedure and accompanies the patient to the recovery room and ensures that the patient is rested and pain free.

Anaesthesia is normally very safe, due care and attention is taken to prevent the uncommon but known complications from occurring. You as a patient can do a lot to make anaesthesia a safe and uncomplicated procedure.

What can you do make your Anaesthetic a Nice and Safe Experience?

The pre-anaesthetic check up (PAC) is an important part of your surgery; you get to meet your anaesthetist, an opportunity to rest any fears. Tell your anaesthetist if you have any illnesses including a cold, it is useful to take a list of your medications or bring the medications along. Talk about your past experiences if any, with anaesthesia and how you reacted to them. Inform the team if you suspect ANY known allergies to anything, this could be to medication or to eggs. Tell the anaesthetist if you snore or you wake up at night breathless. If you suspect that you are pregnant please inform the anaesthetist. The anaesthesia or the surgery could affect your pregnancy. If you have eaten or drunk anything you have to inform the staff. Please ask if you have any doubts or fears, the team will be happy to clarify and reassure you. Ask the anesthetist for a phone number that you can call if you want any clarifications.

Instructions

The anaesthetist will give simple instructions to you. It is important that they followed very carefully. Not following them could lead to hazardous complications. It is useful to note down the instructions or ask if you are in doubt.

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