Anesthesia: What is it?

Before a patient undergoes surgery, the doctor administers anesthesia to eliminate pain and/or consciousness. Depending on the planned operation and the patient’s medical history, the medical team will opt for general anesthesia or local (or regional) anesthesia. Anesthesia prevents any muscular movement in addition to eliminating pain. Anesthesia is a fundamental step for the smooth running of the operation. The surgical intervention is performed under general anesthesia (GA) or local anesthesia.

Different Types of Anesthesia

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia, also called GA, renders the person unconscious and eliminates pain from the entire body. It is used for almost all major surgeries. It may be chosen by the medical team for minor surgeries depending on the patient’s case. Awakening after anesthesia is gradual. With general anesthesia, the body loses its sensitivity. General anesthesia is achieved by injecting medication or by breathing anesthetic vapors. These medications put the patient into a state similar to deep sleep.

Local Anesthesia

Spinal Anesthesia

Spinal anesthesia is achieved by injecting a local anesthetic into the cerebrospinal fluid at the level of the spine. The nerve roots in the spinal region are thus anesthetized, leading to anesthesia of the lower limbs.

Epidural Anesthesia

Epidural anesthesia is achieved by injecting a local anesthetic into the epidural space through a catheter. It is used for cesarean sections and other gynecological procedures. It inhibits pain in the lower part of the body.

Peripheral Nerve Block

Peripheral nerve block by catheter or needle is achieved by injecting a local anesthetic near a nerve in the area to be operated on. Peripheral nerve block makes the part of the body near the anesthetized area painless, allowing surgery or intervention in the same area without pain.

Before Anesthesia

The anesthesiologist is responsible for anesthetizing the patient. They will determine the type of anesthesia based on the planned procedure and the patient’s medical record: blood tests, allergies, etc. Before anesthesia, the doctor will conduct a pre-anesthesia consultation the day before to verify the patient’s health status and validate the anesthesia procedure and type of anesthesia. In case of a problem or risk related to anesthesia for the patient, the anesthesiologist will consult with the surgeon to establish the appropriate anesthesia protocol. If there is a very high risk of complication, the operation may simply be canceled.

Except for peripheral nerve block, fasting is required before the procedure to avoid gastric fluid entering the respiratory tract.

General or Local Anesthesia for Your Surgery

In collaboration with the surgeon and based on the patient’s medical record, the type of anesthesia will be chosen.

General anesthesia is indicated for most surgeries: orthopedic surgery, digestive surgery, bariatric surgery, etc.

Spinal anesthesia is indicated for interventions affecting the lower limbs and gynecology. For reasons of patient psychological management, the doctor will opt for general anesthesia in certain cases.

Epidural anesthesia is indicated for cesarean sections.

For dental care, hair transplants, and superficial interventions, polyps, cysts, etc., peripheral nerve block or local anesthesia will be indicated.

Contact and Information Request for Anesthesia

If you are going to have surgery in Tunisia and you don’t know what type of anesthesia you will undergo, feel free to contact us. Tunisia Destination Santé can organize your medical stay and accompany you before, during, and after your procedure.

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