Local Anaesthesia
Where a local anaesthetic drug is injected directly into the site of surgery. This will numb the sensation at the site where the injection occurred.
Advantages include simplicity and relative safety.
Disadvantages include drug toxicity and inadequate anaesthesia/failure. Limited to minor procedures.
Regional Anaesthesia
Where a local anaesthetic drug is injected at a site distant to where the numbness occurs. Includes nerve blocks, spinals and epidurals. The numbness is often accompanied by an inability to move the affected area while the block is working. Monitoring is required for it to be safe.
Advantages include reduced side effects, postoperative pain relief and earlier discharge from recovery units.
Disadvantages include temporary inability to move the blocked area, nerve damage, drug toxicity and inadequate anaesthesia/failure.
Sedation
Is a drug induced state of reduced awareness, often associated with reduced anxiety, pain and memory. With light sedation the patient may respond to verbal commands and touch. With heavy sedation the patient may only respond to strong pain. It requires careful monitoring and oxygen in order for it to be safe.
Advantages include quicker recovery and reduced side effects.
Disadvantages are similar to general anaesthesia but potentially less likely. Sedation is limited to less painful procedures unless combined with regional or local anaesthesia.
General Anaesthesia
Is a drug induced state of unconsciousness where there is no awareness of, or movement in response to, strong pain. It requires additional equipment in order for it to be safe.
Advantages include the ability to perform a wide range of surgical procedures.
Disadvantages include some common ( about 10% of patients ) side effects such as nausea, dizziness, amnesia, shivering and itch. Uncommon ( about 1 % of patients ) complications including dental damage, eye injury, nerve damage, urinary difficulties and technical problems. Rare ( less than 0.1% of patients ) complications include breathing problems, heart problems, stroke, paralysis, disability and death.
Your surgeon will often advise you what type of anaesthetic they believe will be necessary for the planned procedure.
If you are unsure and would like to discuss the type of anaesthetic you are having you should contact this office.