ABOUT ANESTHESIA
Anesthesia is administered to patients to numb a specific area or to make a patient unconscious while performing a procedure. The main types of anesthesia are local, regional, and general anesthetic. They are sometimes given in combination with one another, as well as in combination with oral or intravenous (IV) sedation.
Local anesthesia is administered to numb a specific area, in order to perform a procedure without the patient being in pain. It is commonly used for a variety dental procedures, as well as minimally invasive procedures and involves injecting a needle into a specific area to make it numb.
Regional anesthesia blocks pain in a larger area of the body, for example an epidural during childbirth.
General anesthesia is administered to put the patient into an unconscious state, usually during surgical procedures, whereby it would not be possible to perform the surgery whilst the patient is awake. The patient is closely monitored by an anesthesiologist throughout the procedure. Anesthesiologists must take into account many factors when administering general anesthetic, to ensure that the right combination and quantity of drugs are used. They monitor the patient’s breathing and vital signs throughout the procedure.
Recommended for
- Procedures which may cause pain
- Surgical procedures
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- Average length of stay abroad: 1 – 2 days.
Patients can travel immediately after local anesthetic. After a general anesthetic, patients can travel as soon as the effects have worn off and their condition is stable.
- Number of trips abroad needed: 1
COMPARE ANESTHESIA PRICES AROUND THE WORLD
Country | Cost |
---|---|
United Kingdom | 96€ |
Mexico | 45€ |
Poland | 7€ |
Thailand | 3€ |
HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD
BEFORE ANESTHESIA ABROAD
Before undergoing a procedure with general anesthetic, it is important to follow the fasting guidelines. Usually you must stop eating 6 to 8 hours before the procedure, in order to empty the stomach. This is because the anesthesia relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract, and could allow food or liquids to get into the lungs (a complication called pulmonary aspiration). You will be advised not to drink for around 2 hours before the surgery. If you need to take medications, you can still do so, with a small sip of water.
The doctor will tell you which medications to continue to take, and which ones to avoid. Some medications, such as aspirin, can increase the chance of surgical complications and should be avoided.
Patients with diabetes should discuss what to do with regard to fasting and their medication.
Patients should also ask about any herbal remedies or supplements as sometimes it is advised to stop taking these before surgery.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
Local and regional anesthesia is usually administered by injecting a needle into the area being treated.
General anesthesia can be administered in 2 different ways. IV (intravenous) anesthesia is administered directly into a vein using a needle. Alternatively, general anesthesia in the form of a vapor, administered using a mask which is placed over the nose and mouth.
The anesthesiologist is usually present throughout to monitor the patient, and once the surgery is completed the administering of general anesthesia is stopped so that the patient can awake.
After a local anesthetic, the patient may experience numbness for a few hours afterwards, in the area where it was administered.
After a general anesthetic, a number of patients experience nausea and vomiting. Patients may also experience dry mouth, a sore throat, sleepiness, and some postoperative pain.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ANESTHESIA
Not recommended for
- Patients in poor health
Potential risks
- Breathing problems
- Change in blood pressure
- Headaches
- Allergic reaction to the anesthesia
- In very rare cases, general anesthetic can result in death
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Anesthesia is an induced, temporary state in which you feel reduced pain, experience paralysis, and/or unconsciousness. Anesthesia is caused by the use of an anesthetic; a drug which induces anesthesia. Local anesthetics work by preventing a “pain signal” from reaching the brain, meaning no pain is experienced by the patient. General anesthetic works by causing the patient to become unconscious and unable to wake until the anesthetic wears off. Sedation causes a semi-hypnotic state in which the patient feels reduced pain and anxiety, and may inhibit memory.
There are some risks associated with undergoing general anesthetic that are significantly reduced by selecting a skilled, reputable surgeon and anesthesiologist. Risks which include lung infection, stroke, heart attack, and in rare cases, death. You should tell your doctor if you have significant cardiovascular problems prior to undergoing general anesthetic. The risk of complications also increases with age and the length of time the patient is “under” anesthetic.
Anesthesia can cause dehydration, which can lead to constipation. This usually clears up in 1-2 days as the anesthetic is flushed from your body. Drinking plenty of water when you are able to after surgery can help.
Post-operative depression occurs in some patients in 6 months following an invasive procedure. While the cause is unknown, there is some evidence to suggest it could be caused by general anesthetic, however it could also be caused by life circumstances surrounding the procedure. Patients experiencing depression following a surgical procedure should consult their general practitioner about treatment options.
Some anesthetics are administered by injection, and in many cases general anesthetic involves the placement of an IV line which may cause discomfort. Apart from inserting an IV line, there is no significant pain associated with anesthetics. Occasionally, in the case of local anesthetic that must be injected deeply, a numbing gel is applied to the area so the injection itself does not hurt. Upon emerging from general anesthesia, some patients experience nausea or other unpleasant side-effects that usually clear up in a few hours.