What is Regional Anesthesia, and How is it Performed?
Regional anesthesia is used to numb a specific area of the body during an operation. It is generally performed by injecting local anesthetic drugs into the nerves responsible for transmitting sensation in the part of the body where the operation will be applied. It is a frequently used anesthesia method in labor and other gynecological operations, urology, and orthopedic surgeries, where consciousness remains intact but the relevant area of the body is completely desensitized. In operations where deemed appropriate by the specialist, sedation can be applied to the patient based on the specialist's decision.
Sedation is the process of inducing a semi-sleep state in the patient. It can be achieved by injecting anesthetic drugs into the muscles and veins or by making the patient inhale anesthetic gas through a mask. As full loss of consciousness is not experienced during sedation, the patient can maintain their breathing independently. Therefore, there is no need to insert a tube into the windpipe. Since a lower dose and number of drugs are used during sedation compared to general anesthesia, the recovery time is shorter.
What are the Types of Regional Anesthesia?
There are 3 different application methods for regional anesthesia.
Spinal anesthesia is the numbing of the lower part of the body by injecting local anesthetic drugs into the cerebrospinal fluid. It is frequently used in urological and orthopedic operations.
Epidural anesthesia involves reaching the outer part of the membrane called the dura, which surrounds the spinal cord, through a catheter or needle from the lumbar region and applying local anesthetic drugs here. It provides numbness in the lower part of the body. Its use is common in normal childbirth operations. In cases where normal delivery is not possible for any reason, the related specialist can update the drug dosage, allowing for epidural cesarean. It can also be preferred in cesarean births to keep the mother awake, allowing her to immediately hold the baby after the cesarean. The births where this procedure is used are known as epidural births.
Nerve block anesthesia is achieved by injecting local anesthetic drugs into the main nerve going to the limb where the operation will be conducted. It is widely used in arm and leg surgery.
What are the Advantages of Regional Anesthesia?
There are many operations where regional anesthesia is frequently preferred. Additionally, if the patient's condition is deemed unsuitable for general anesthesia by the anesthesiologist, and the operation is suitable for regional anesthesia, it can be considered an alternative to general anesthesia. By this means, while the patient's consciousness remains intact and they can breathe independently, they feel no pain. Complaints such as vomiting, dizziness, and nausea are rarer compared to general anesthesia post-regional anesthesia. Moreover, the patient can start oral feeding earlier post-procedure and may be discharged earlier in many cases. Additionally, in emergencies where immediate intervention is required, regional anesthesia allows interventions even if the patient has eaten, unlike general anesthesia.
With this information, it is not possible to generalize that any anesthesia method is better than another. Even though which anesthesia method should be applied during which operations is defined in general, the most suitable decision about the method for the patient is made by the anesthesiologist performing the procedure.
Recovery Process and Considerations After Regional Anesthesia
The recovery process for patients after regional anesthesia is generally rapid. After the anesthesia wears off, patients may experience numbness, muscle weakness, or temporary loss of sensation. All these conditions are temporary and resolve within a few hours. Patients are advised not to walk and to avoid activities requiring attention until the anesthesia's effects wear off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the effect of regional anesthesia last?
The effect of regional anesthesia can vary depending on the type of drug used and the dosage. The anesthesia effect lasts between 1 to 6 hours. Spinal anesthesia lasts approximately 2 to 4 hours, while epidural anesthesia can last from 3 to 6 hours.
Is the patient conscious during regional anesthesia?
Yes, the patient is usually conscious during regional anesthesia. In some cases, the anesthesiologist may apply sedation. Sedation helps the patient relax and feel more comfortable during the procedure.
Which surgical procedures use regional anesthesia?
Regional anesthesia is preferred in many surgical interventions such as urology, orthopedics, gynecology, and childbirth. It can be preferred for procedures affecting the lower body.
What are the risks of regional anesthesia?
Regional anesthesia is a safe method. Rarely, complications such as headaches, low blood pressure, nerve damage, or infections may occur. A detailed evaluation should be conducted with an anesthesiologist before the procedure.