Surgery has become a normal procedure, especially with the help of anesthesia. If you were having the same procedure 300 years ago, your only available option to prevent intense pain would be to drain down some whisky and bite your teeth hard. However, nowadays, many patients undergo different types of surgery every day using pain-relieving drugs. Suppose you are thinking of undergoing surgery but feeling anxious about the procedure. In that case, the Hyattsville anesthesiology specialist at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center will administer anesthesia and operate on you without pain. You will have a successful procedure without even realizing it. Here are some things that may surprise you about anesthesia.
Anesthesia Does Not Always Cause Insomnia
Various forms of anesthesia are administered to patients depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s autonomy. The various types include,
Local anesthesia-this type usually numbs a certain area of the body that requires attention to prevent pain. For instance, when you have a tooth removal, wound stitching, or removing a mole from your skin.
Regional anesthesia-Involves a large area of the body where it suppresses pain and movement. The procedure leaves you conscious that you can witness what is happening and follow the whole procedure, for instance, during childbirth.
General anesthesia-This involves your whole body, which makes you unconscious and unable to move. You are unable to follow what is happening during the procedure. It is recommended for surgeries that take long hours.
You Can Wake Up During A Surgery
It is possible to wake up in the middle of surgery even after an anesthetic procedure, though on extremely rare occasions. The good thing is that patients may not feel pain at that time and are only aware of their surroundings. It occurs in patients who have had several medical procedures or those undergoing emergency treatments.
Obesity Can Increase Complication Risk
It becomes difficult for doctors to determine the exact dosage to administer to overweight patients. The reason is that obesity contributes to sleep apnea which causes difficulties in oxygen flow to the body. Doctors may be limited to using a higher dosage that may trigger sleep apnea while on anesthesia. Therefore, patients should lose weight before surgery to lower the risks.
Smokers May Need More Anesthesia
The breathing tubes for smokers are intolerant to medication and have more irritations. Therefore, to improve the effectiveness of anesthesia, they need to have a higher dosage than non-smokers. Their bodies are also used to nicotine which may lower the effectiveness of the anesthesia hence a need for a higher dosage. The same case applies to those who take alcohol or some marijuana.
Anesthesia Affects Memory
Many patients will complain of memory loss and forgetfulness after surgery. This is normal since anesthesia affects the brain receptors that keep you alert, making you forget things easily. However, the problem will fade over time and with recommended medication.
Many people have undergone surgery at one point in their life. They have experienced different types of anesthetic procedures and therefore have minimal fear. If you have a problem needing surgery and are anxious, CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center specialists have your back. They have experience in anesthesiology, ensuring you are safe and healing. You can start by planning an online consultation or calling their office today.