What is the difference between regional and local anesthesia

Dermatologists and even dentists administer local anesthesia. This type of anesthesia may be best known for its use in childbirth. Epidurals are a form of regional anesthesia commonly used in the management of pain during labor and delivery, while spinal blocks are performed on mothers whose babies are being delivered through non-emergency C-sections.

However, regional anesthesia has plenty of other uses, as well. Anesthesiologists may use regional anesthesia for any procedure during which patients should be awake and alert but that calls for more extensive numbing than would be practical to attempt with local anesthesia only. This type of anesthesia is a common choice for surgeries performed on the limbs but can even be used when performing abdominal surgeries, the American Society of Anesthesiologists reported.

Generally, the more extensive numbing required, the greater the risks of anesthesia. Patients may not exactly want to be awake for surgery, but this using regional anesthesia typically presents fewer risks, and patients begin feeling more like themselves sooner. In addition to these three main types of anesthesia, anesthesiologists may also administer sedatives through an IV line that can help a patient to relax.

Endoscopies and colonoscopies routinely involve sedating a patient for their comfort during the procedure. Anesthesiology Seems Easy. What Do They Actually Do? Can someone explain this to me? Has 40 years experience. Nov 2, This is information from a patient teaching sheet about anesthesia from my local hospital. According to it, it has to do with how the drug is delivered:. Local Anesthesia:.

This is a minor nerve block. The same kind the dentist does when you get a shot of novacain to numb your gum so the dentist can work on a tooth. A drug is injected near nerves in or through the skin providing loss of sensation to the area of the surgical operation. Freedman MD - Anesthesiology. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

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