Anesthesiology

Anesthesiologist administering anesthetic.

Your comfort and safety are two of our top priorities at Faith Regional Health Services. Our expert anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists play a key role in controlling your pain and keeping you safe during your procedure or surgery.

Pain Control Options

You’ll benefit from a range of different options to help manage your pain before, during, and after your procedure. Some anesthetics numb only a certain part of your body. Other medications can numb your brain and help you sleep. Depending on how complex and invasive the procedure is, the anesthetic will either be administered by the provider performing the procedure or a member of our anesthesiology team.

Local Anesthetic

With a local anesthetic, only a small area of your body will be numbed. You will be awake and alert but will not feel any pain. This is often used for minor procedures such as stitching a cut or removing a mole.

Regional Anesthesia

Regional anesthesia blocks the pain in a larger part of your body. An example of this is an epidural during childbirth or a spinal block. You may be awake or also be given a sedative.

General Anesthesia

With general anesthesia, you will be unconscious and insensitive to pain. This is often used in major operations, such as open-heart surgery or abdominal surgery.

Sedation

You’ll be eased into a more natural sleep, but you can be easily aroused or awakened. The level of sedation will vary depending on the procedure.

Prior to your procedure, your anesthesiologist will review your medical history, including any allergies, and consult with you to create and administer a plan to control your pain while at Faith Regional. In addition, you’ll be carefully monitored during and after the procedure for any rapid change in your vital signs.

How to Prepare for Anesthesia

Make sure your provider has a current list of your medications and supplements. This includes any vitamins or herbal medications you are using. Some drugs can interact with anesthesia or put you at risk for complications.

Prior to your procedure, your provider will provide you with any additional ways to prepare for the anesthesia. This may include avoiding food or certain medications prior. As with any medical procedure, there may be risks involved with anesthesia that you should be aware of before the procedure.