Epidural Anesthesia
An epidural is a procedure that involves injecting a medication — either an anesthetic or a steroid — into the space around your spinal nerves known as the epidural space. An anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist usually performs an epidural procedure.
Your healthcare provider may recommend an epidural procedure for the following situations:
To provide pain relief (analgesia) for labor and childbirth.
To provide anesthesia for certain surgeries as an alternative to general anesthesia.
To provide pain relief after certain surgeries.
To manage certain causes of back pain and other forms of chronic pain (through epidural steroid injections).
There are different variations of epidurals based on certain factors. This section will explain different kinds of epidurals grouped into the following categories:
How the medication is delivered.
Labor and childbirth epidurals.
Epidural steroid injections (ESI).
Epidurals are a common, effective and generally safe procedure to deliver quick pain relief and/or a temporary lack of feeling. If you’re feeling anxious about the possibility of receiving an epidural, don’t be afraid to ask your healthcare provider about it and the procedure. They can answer any questions you may have (Cleveland Clinic 1).
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia brings on a sleep-like state with the use of a combination of medicines. The medicines, known as anesthetics, are given before and during surgery or other medical procedures. General anesthesia usually uses a combination of intravenous medicines and inhaled gasses (Mayo Clinic 1).
You'll feel as though you're asleep. But general anesthesia does more than put you to sleep. You don't feel pain when you're under general anesthesia. This is because your brain doesn't respond to pain signals or reflexes.
Your doctor may recommend general anesthesia for certain procedures. These include procedures that may:
Takes a long time.
Require the use of muscle relaxants.
Result in significant bleeding.
Significantly change your breathing, blood pressure or heart rate.
Other forms of anesthesia may be recommended depending on your procedure.
During procedures in which someone only receives sedation, it's expected that the person will be relaxed and comfortable. The person won't necessarily be asleep or unaware. It's common that someone who's sedated may be aware for part or all of the procedure. Although very rare, a person may be partially awake during general anesthesia. Estimates vary, but about 1 or 2 people in every 1,000 may experience unintended intraoperative awareness. It is even rarer to experience pain, but this can occur as well (Mayo Clinic 1).
When the surgery is complete, the anesthesiologist or CRNA stops the anesthetic medicines. You'll slowly wake either in the operating room or the recovery room. You'll probably feel groggy and a little confused when you first awaken. You may experience side effects such as; sleepiness, nausea or vomiting, dry mouth, or sore throat.
Regional Anesthesia
Regional anesthesia is a type of pain management for surgery that numbs a large part of the body, such as from the waist down. The medication is delivered through an injection or small tube called a catheter and is used when a simple injection of local anesthetic is not enough, and when it’s better for the patient to be awake.
Any time a needle or catheter is inserted under the skin, bruising, infection or bleeding may occur. This is not very common. Sometimes the numbness and weakness last for a while longer after the medicine should have worn off. You may have residual effects of the medicine for another day or two. This is normal.
The specific risks of anesthesia vary with the particular procedure and the condition of the patient. You should ask your anesthesiologist about any risks that may be associated with your particular anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist carefully evaluates your condition, makes medical judgments, takes safety precautions and provides special treatment throughout the procedure. You should feel free to talk with your anesthesiologist about your options for anesthesia, pain control after surgery, their benefits and their possible side effects (Baylor 1).
Sources :
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/anesthesia/about/pac-20384568#:~:text=General%20anesthesia%20brings%20on%20a,surgery%20or%20other%20medical%20procedures.
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