Anesthesia Overview

Anesthesiology is the practice of medicine dedicated to the relief of pain and total surgical care of a patient before, during, and after surgery. All types of anesthesia are administered to keep patients comfortable and pain-free during surgery, medical procedures, or tests.
Anesthesiologists are essential in ensuring optimal patient safety before, during, and after all surgical procedures and collaborate with the surgeon and the patient care team.

Types of Anesthesia

Learn about the key differences about anesthesia and how it’s administered.

  • General anesthesia acts primarily on the brain and central nervous system and results in loss of consciousness, loss of awareness, and loss of pain (while under general anesthesia).

    It is administered via the patient’s circulatory system, typically by a combination of inhaled gas and injected medications. Often, but not always, an anesthesiologist may insert a breathing tube or similar device to assist your respirations during surgery.

  • A type of pain management for surgery that numbs a large part of the body, such as from the waist down or a knee, foot, wrist, and elbow. The regional medication is delivered through an injection or small tube called a catheter, and is used when a simple injection of local anesthetic is not adequate for patient comfort and safety. Regional anesthesia may also be used when it’s better for the patient to be awake.

  • IV sedation causes you to feel relaxed and can result in various levels of consciousness. Depending on the procedure, the level of sedation may range from minimal to deep.

  • Our highly trained anesthesiologists work collaboratively with your obstetric team to optimize your birth experience as well as the health and safety of both you and your child.

    We provide labor analgesia through safe and effective neuraxial techniques, and are there when you need us for planned and unplanned cesarean sections and obstetric procedures.

    For more information, visit our Epidurals During Childbirth page.

Risks of Anesthesia

All operations and anesthesia involve some degree of risk. The nature of your procedure and your overall pre-operative condition are important factors considered when estimating the risks for your particular operative experience. You will have the opportunity to speak with your anesthesiologist about your particular risks prior to your procedure.

“He was great, very kind and caring with our daughter and made us feel very comfortable. Related to the patient herself and made sure she knew who he was. Superb.”

— Anonymous Patient