General anesthesia produces a loss of consciousness and sensation throughout the entire body. Some general anesthetic drugs in the form of gases or vapors are administered through a breathing mask or tube such as sevoflurane and desflurane. Other general anesthetic drugs are administered through a vein such as propofol.

Regional anesthesia blocks a group of nerve fibers to produce a loss of sensation to a specific region of the body. Drugs that are used in these types of procedures end in the suffix (caine) such as Novocaine. The anesthetic drug is injected near a cluster of nerves near the region of the body that requires surgery. Spinal and epidural anesthesia are examples of regional anesthesia.

Local anesthesia produces a loss of sensation to a small, specific area of the body. The anesthetic drug is usually injected into the tissue. The removal a small cyst on the skin is an example of a procedure usually performed under local anesthesia.

Monitored anesthesia care includes medications that supplement local anesthetic injections to cause drowsiness and relieve pain.

The careful selection of anesthesia by an anesthesia provider depends on the individual patient, type and length of surgery.

Discuss anesthetic options with your anesthesia provider well in advance of surgery to learn more about your anesthetic plan and associated risks.