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| Other topics: Anesthesia and Pain Management |
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Keywords
Epidural Anesthesia, operation, surgery, bmbody
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Overview *
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If you are having surgery, your doctor will give you a drug called an anesthetic. Anesthetics reduce or prevent pain. Epidural anesthesia, which is sometimes used during childbirth, is a type of regional anesthesia.
There are four main types.
Local: numbs one small area of the body. You stay awake and alert.
Conscious or intravenous (IV) sedation: uses a mild sedative to relax you and pain medicine to relieve pain. You stay awake but may not remember the procedure afterwards.
Regional anesthesia: blocks pain in an area of the body, such an arm or leg.
General anesthesia: affects your whole body. You go to sleep and feel nothing. You have no memory of the procedure afterwards.
The type of anesthesia your doctor chooses depends on many factors. These include the procedure you are having and your current health.
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Multimedia
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This patient education program explains epidural anesthesia used in certain types of operations for patients who may be in a position to make the decision of whether or not to have it. Included are the following sections: Anatomy, Procedure, and Risks & Complications.
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This button allows you to read and print an illustrated handout. |
This button starts a multimedia program with interactive questions. |
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This button starts an interactive quiz.
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This button plays a self-running presentation.
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Last reviewed: 12/17/2008 |
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