Anesthesia

Prior to your surgery, you will meet with an anesthesiologist. Anesthesiologists are physicians who have had four years of special training after medical school. They apply their knowledge and skills to safeguard you throughout the surgical procedure and post-operative period. Your anesthesiologist will review the general nature of your surgical procedure as well as your anesthesia options and possible side effects. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your anesthesia plan with you and address any questions you may have.

There are three main types of anesthesia:

• General anesthesia: With general anesthesia you will be unconscious and not feel any pain. Medicine is given to you through an IV (intravenous). You are "asleep" for the surgery. At the end of your surgery, the medicine is stopped so that you can wake up. You may have a sore throat, some nausea, and you will be sleepy for about an hour.

• Regional anesthesia: Regional anesthesia means that a part of your body is numbed. Two common types of regional anesthesia are:
  • Spinal anesthesia: A small needle is put into the lower back and into the spinal fluid. Then a numbing medicine like Novocain is placed to numb the lower body.
  • Epidural anesthesia: A small needle is put into the lower back and into the epidural space (the space just outside of the spinal fluid). A tiny catheter (small plastic tube) is placed into the epidural space. Numbing medicine is then given through the catheter to numb the nerves in that area.
• Local anesthesia: During local anesthesia, a drug is injected into your tissue to numb just the location of your body requiring minor surgery or a procedure.

In addition to improvements in medications and monitoring devices, the increased safety of modern-day anesthesia is also due to a team of professionals working with your anesthesiologist. We are proud to offer the community well-trained, caring individuals who look forward to making your anesthesia experience a positive one.

This team members may include:

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA's) have a minimum of two years of additional training after nursing school and work with your anesthesiologist to carry out the technical and monitoring aspects of your anesthetic.
• Anesthesia technicians work diligently to maintain the state-of-the-art anesthesia equipment and ensure a ready supply of drugs and disposables for your safety.

• Our department of Anesthesia office staff and billing department are available to answer any questions you may have regarding scheduling, insurance coverage and payment arrangements. They will do their very best to alleviate any concerns you may have before your procedure. 
• Surgical Services at Doylestown Hospital
• Preparing for joint replacement surgery? Watch our Joint Replacement Anesthesia video.