Find Out More About Your Operation
What Kind of Anesthesia Will I Need?
Anesthesia is used so that surgery can be performed without
unnecessary pain. Your surgeon can tell you whether the operation
calls for local, regional, or general anesthesia and why this form of
anesthesia is best for your procedure.
Local anesthesia numbs only a part of your body and only for a short
period of time. For example, when you go to the dentist, you may
get a local anesthetic called Novocain. It numbs the gum area around
a tooth. Not all procedures done
with local anesthesia are painless.
Regional anesthesia numbs a larger
portion of your body—for example,
the lower part of your body—for a
few hours. In most cases, you will
be awake during the operation with
regional anesthesia.
General
anesthesia numbs your entire body.
You will be asleep during the whole
operation if you have general
anesthesia.
Anesthesia is quite safe for most patients. It is usually given by a
specialized doctor (anesthesiologist) or nurse (nurse anesthetist).
Both are highly skilled and have been trained to give anesthesia.
If you decide to have an operation, ask to meet with the person who
will give you anesthesia. It is okay to ask what his or her
qualifications are. Ask what the side effects and risks of having
anesthesia are in your case. Be sure to tell him or her what medical
problems you have—including allergies and what medicines you
have been taking. These medicines may affect your response to the
anesthesia. Be sure to include both prescription and over-the-counter
medicines, like vitamins and supplements. (Select for more information on anesthesia.)
How Long Will It Take Me To Recover?
Your surgeon can tell you how you might feel and what you will be
able to do—or not do—the first few days, weeks, or months after
surgery. Ask how long you will be in the hospital. Find out what
kind of supplies, equipment, and help you will need when you go
home. Knowing what to expect can help you get better faster.
Ask how long it will be before you can go back to work or start
regular exercise again. You do not want to do anything that will slow
your recovery. For example, lifting a 10-pound bag of potatoes may
not seem to be "too much" a week after your operation, but it could
be. You should follow your surgeon's advice to make sure you recover
fully as soon as possible.
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