Anesthesia

Overview

What Is Anesthesia?

Anesthesia is the use of medicine to prevent discomfort during surgery or medical procedures. Most people do well with anesthesia (an-ess-THEE-zhuh) and have no problems afterward.

Top Things to Know

• Anesthesia is a type of medicine that numbs the body or a body part so that a patient doesn’t feel pain during surgery.
• There are three main types of anesthesia: general, regional, and local.
• The type of anesthesia needed depends on the type of surgery and the age and medical history of the child.
• Most kids recover well from anesthesia and don’t have any complications from it.

How Does Anesthesia Work?

Anesthesia works by blocking signals in the nervous system. The nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Messages from the body travel through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. During anesthesia, other medicines (like narcotics or other painkillers) also may be given to block pain messages from getting to the brain.

What Are the Different Types of Anesthesia?

There are three types of anesthesia: general, regional, and local.

General Anesthesia

A patient who gets general anesthesia is completely unconscious (or "asleep") and will not feel any pain during the procedure. Kids can get general anesthesia through an IV (into a vein) or inhale it through their nose and mouth.

Regional Anesthesia

This type of anesthesia is injected near nerves, making a large area of the body numb and unable to feel pain. Common types of regional anesthesia include epidurals (often used in childbirth) and spinal blocks.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia numbs a small part of the body (for example, a hand or patch of skin). It can be given as a shot, spray, or ointment. It may be used for dental work, stitches, or to lessen the pain of getting a needle.

Sometimes, a patient gets more than one type of anesthesia. The type(s) of anesthesia used will depend on the surgery or procedure being done and the age and medical condition of the person. Your doctor will tell you exactly what to expect during anesthesia and answer any questions you may have.

How Is Anesthesia Given?

Before Getting Anesthesia

Doctors and nurses will work with your child to ease any fears before giving anesthesia. Sometimes, kids get sedation before the IV is placed or anesthesia is given. This medicine, given by mouth or as a nasal spray, helps kids relax and feel sleepy. A parent or caregiver usually can stay with the child until the sedative starts to work.

During Anesthesia

The anesthesia care team will give your child anesthesia. This team may include the anesthesiologist (doctor specially trained in giving anesthesia), a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist), or anesthesiology resident. Depending on the anesthesia type, it may be given through a mask, breathing tube, or IV. During anesthesia, the doctor or nurse will closely watch breathing, heart rate and rhythm, body temperature, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels.

After Anesthesia is Given

After general anesthesia, kids go to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) or recovery room. Parents or caregivers can usually join their children here and be with them while they wake up. Kids often go home the same day, but some stay in the hospital.

What Are the Side Effects of Anesthesia?

For regional and local anesthesia, someone may feel sore where the needle was given. 

For general anesthesia, someone may feel groggy and a little confused when waking up after surgery. Other common side effects include nausea or vomiting, chills or shakiness, or a dry throat (from the breathing tube).

These side effects usually aren’t dangerous and go away quickly.

What Are the Risks of Anesthesia?

For most people, anesthesia is very safe. In very rare cases, anesthesia can lead to problems such as abnormal heart rhythms, breathing problems, allergic reactions to the medicines used, and even death. The risks depend on the kind of surgery or procedure, the condition of the patient, and the type of anesthesia used.

Researchers are studying whether anesthesia and sedation can affect the brain development of young children. Most likely, getting anesthesia or sedation for a short time for one surgery or procedure does not put a child at risk. Parents should talk to their health care provider about possible risks for their child.

What Else Should I Know?

Most children don’t have any problems with anesthesia.

Before your child gets anesthesia, the doctors and nurses will ask you about:

• your child's current and past health, including any breathing problems like asthma and whether your child snores
• any medicines (prescription and over-the-counter), supplements, or herbal remedies your child takes
• any allergies (especially to medicines, foods, or latex) your child has
• whether your child smokes, drinks alcohol, or uses any drugs
• any past reactions your child or any family member has had to anesthesia

Follow the doctor's and nurse’s recommendations about what to do before anesthesia, such as:

• when your child needs to stop eating or drinking
• what your child may drink on the day of surgery (you’ll be given a list of approved drinks)
• whether your child needs to stop any medicines or herbal supplements before surgery

If your child has cold symptoms (a cough and/or runny nose) or breathing problem in the days before the surgery, it's very important to let the doctor and care team know. Following all instructions precisely helps keep your child safe during anesthesia and prevents a delay or cancellation of your child’s procedure.