Interesting Facts about Anesthesia Administration

Interesting Facts about Anesthesia Administration

Most patients who require surgery experience various anxieties, often requiring the suppression of sensations. The anxiety tends to decrease when they engage in conversations with anesthesiologists and anesthesia nurses who explain suitable options for pain management. This, however, depends on the type of surgery and the patient's health factors.

There are three methods of administering anesthesia:

1. Inhalation anesthesia:

Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia by injecting it through intravenous fluids. The patient falls asleep, and the anesthesia is continually administered throughout the surgery. This ensures that the patient remains completely unconscious and unaware during the surgical procedure. Anesthesiologists and nurses closely monitor the patient until they have fully recovered from the anesthesia and are safely transferred out of the recovery room.

2. Regional anesthesia or nerve block:

For spinal block anesthesia, the patient lies on their side, and the anesthesiologist administers the anesthesia in the back. The patient feels numbness and can undergo the surgical procedure without experiencing pain. Sometimes, pain-relieving medication is mixed with the anesthesia to minimize postoperative pain. After the back block, there may be physical changes that cause discomfort, but the patient can communicate their symptoms to the anesthesiologist and nurse for appropriate care. Alternatively, they can request safe sedation to ensure a comfortable sleep.

Patients often worry that spinal block anesthesia may cause back pain in the future. However, in reality, there may be minimal back pain for only 1-2 days, or some individuals may not experience any pain at all.

3. Nerve-specific anesthesia:

This involves injecting anesthesia directly at the surgical site to numb the specific area. The effect of the anesthesia makes the surgical site numb, enabling the procedure to be carried out without pain.

These methods of anesthesia administration are carefully chosen based on the patient's condition and the nature of the surgery. They ensure that patients remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgical procedure.

The medical practitioner will administer sedatives and anxiety-relieving medication intravenously to induce deep sleep in the patient, enabling surgical procedures to be performed without pain.

Preparation before surgery:

Inquire for information and seek advice on managing emotions and avoiding anxiety, ensuring sufficient restful sleep.

Refrain from food and water intake for 6-8 hours prior to surgery to prevent aspiration during sedation.

Provide important information to the physician, such as medical history, chronic conditions, surgical history, drug allergies, regular medication usage, and history of implanted electronic devices.

Remove dentures, jewelry, contact lenses, and valuables before entering the operating room.

In the case where the patient can be discharged after the surgery, a relative must be available to accompany them.

Before the scheduled surgery time, the patient will meet and have a discussion with the anesthesiologist, who will explain the steps involved in administering sedation and address any questions or concerns. The patient will also have a role in choosing the appropriate sedation method, with guidance from the anesthesiologist.

During the surgery, the anesthesiologist will closely monitor and care for the patient until the procedure is completed.

After the surgery, the staff will take the patient to an observation room for approximately 1-2 hours to monitor their condition before transferring them to the recovery room.

Postoperative Care Instructions:

1. In the event that you will be returning home on the same day as the surgery, it is advisable to have a relative come to pick you up. It is not recommended to drive yourself as you may experience dizziness or confusion due to the effects of the anesthesia.

2. If you have received a spinal block injection, it is important to lie flat for at least 6 hours. If your doctor permits you to eat, make sure to drink plenty of water, at least 2-3 liters, for the next 2-3 days. This will help prevent headaches caused by the spinal block. If you experience any headaches, notify the attending nurse immediately.