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  • Anesthesia 101
    • Anesthesia 101 Overview
    • Types of Anesthesia
    • Effects of Anesthesia
    • Anesthesia Risks
    • Anesthesia Care Team
    • Role of Anesthesiologist
  • Pain Management
    • Pain Management Overview
    • Types of Pain
    • Non-Opioid Treatment
    • Opioid Treatment
  • Preparing for Surgery
    • Preparing for Surgery Overview
    • Risks
    • Preparation
    • Recovery
    • Procedures
  • Stories
  • About
  • Policymakers
  • Health Care Executives
  • Media
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  • Anesthesia 101

Anesthesia 101

Find out about the types, effects, and risks — and what anesthesiologists do before, during, and after surgery to keep you safe.

Thanks to advances in medicine and anesthesia, you don’t feel pain during surgery, medical procedures, and tests. But surgery and anesthesia are inherently dangerous, so it’s critical to understand what anesthesia is, how different types work, and how to reduce potential risks.

Types of Anesthesia

Learn about sedation and general, regional, and local anesthesia — including the differences in how each type works and when each is typically used.

Effects of Anesthesia

Ease your mind and feel more comfortable by understanding what side effects to expect from anesthesia and how to prepare for them. Most are minor and temporary.

Anesthesia Risks

Stay safe by knowing what health factors, conditions, and habits can increase risks and how you can work with your anesthesiologist to minimize them.

Anesthesia Care Team

Understand who may help administer your anesthesia and the importance of having an anesthesiologist lead the team to keep you safe.

Role of the Anesthesiologist

Discover why it’s essential to have this medical expert involved in your care before, during, and after your procedure, as well as the role an anesthesiologist plays in treating pain.

  • Anesthesia 101
    • Types of Anesthesia
    • Effects of Anesthesia
    • Anesthesia Risks
    • Anesthesia Care Team
    • Role of Anesthesiologist
  • Pain Management
    • Types of Pain
    • Non-Opioid Treatment
    • Opioid Treatment
  • Preparing for Surgery
    • Risks
    • Preparation
    • Recovery
    • Procedures
  • Stories
  • About
  • Policymakers
  • Health Care Executives
  • Media
  • ASA Members
  • Resources

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