Anesthesia

It's scary to hear a drug referred to as a "paralytic," but sometimes their administration is medically necessary. Neuromuscular blocking agents are used to make anesthesia and surgery safer.

An anesthesiologist explains why your muscles sometimes need to be reversibly paralyzed during anesthesia. Neuromuscular blocking agents are used to achieve this goal. Learn how these drugs work to keep muscles from moving.

As an anesthesiologist, I sometimes hear patients ask me, "Are you going to use the 'Michael Jackson Drug' on me?" Propofol is is safe and effective when administered by qualified professionals.

Have you been under anesthesia gas? Would it scare you to know that no one really knows how anesthesia gases work? As amazing as it is, it's true, as explained here by a physician anesthesiologist.

Regional anesthesia refers to numbing a region of the body rather than the whole body. An anesthesiologist discusses different techniques to induce regional anesthesia.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid pain medication, is a powerful drug. Its use in the operating room is routine and valuable, as explained in this article. Abuse and addiction to fentanyl are dangerous and often deadly, even with just one use.

Lidocaine is commonly used for local anesthesia. While its use is safe when dosing guidelines are followed, there are some risks, complications, and potential toxicity issues to understand.

An interscalene block of the brachial plexus is used to provide pain relief during and after shoulder surgery. Find out from an anesthesiologist what you should know before having this type of block.

Femoral nerve blocks are useful for knee and thigh surgery. An anesthesiologist explains the technique, uses, and risks of the commonly used femoral nerve block.

Ever wonder "What is the difference between a spinal and an epidural?" Read an anesthesiologist's response to this question.

One of the most important—and dangerous—tasks assigned to an anesthesiologist is securing the airway of the unconscious patient. Find out how and why this is done from a certified anesthesiologist.

Are you familiar with the terms used to describe sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia? An anesthesiologist explains conscious sedation, MAC sedation, and twilight sleep.

What is local anesthesia? How do local anesthetics work? And, most importantly, what do you need to know about their use and risks as a health consumer or patient?

Asthma and general anesthesia both affect the airways, lungs, and breathing. A certified anesthesiologist explains what asthmatics need to know in order to safely proceed with surgery.

Need surgery? Wondering if anesthesia is safe for you? High blood pressure can be a problem during general anesthesia and surgery. If you are facing surgery, controlling your hypertension will make your anesthetic as safe as possible.

Acid reflux under anesthesia can lead to aspiration pneumonia and lung damage. Learn from an anesthesiologist how to protect yourself from these complications.

The entire body is affected by an anesthetic. Here, a board-certified anesthesiologist gives an overview of the effects of anesthesia from head to toe.

A board-certified anesthesiologist discusses the common cardiac effects of general anesthesia and also explains why there is some variability.

Bladder retention after general anesthesia is fairly common. Find out why this happens. Understand your own risk factors and related complications from a board-certified anesthesiologist.

Post-spinal anesthesia side effects can result from the needles, the technique or the medications used. Most side effects are minor and short-lived.

Anesthesia has risks. Seizures after anesthesia are a rare, but they are a recognized complication in the post-operative period. Learn about the risk factors for this complication.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects after anesthesia and surgery. Find out from a board-certified anesthesiologist how to prevent and treat this unpleasant side effect.

Know what to expect and how to prevent and/or treat the most common after-effects of anesthesia, including nausea, sore throat, confusion, muscle aches, itching, and emotional outbursts.

What is an epidural? Learn about the risks, benefits, and potential complications from a board-certified anesthesiologist.

Being awake under anesthesia is a serious and traumatic event. A board-certified anesthesiologist discusses this frightening complication, risk factors, and why it most likely won't happen to you.

Learn the most important facts about spinal anesthesia, what to expect, side effects, and potential complications to prepare for your surgery.

A board-certified anesthesiologist explains what to expect when you have general anesthesia, possible side effects, and potential complications. Frequently asked questions are answered, as well.