The team at Frisco Spine has achieved exceptional results with many patients, addressing complicated issues involving the health of the back and neck. In addition to diagnostics and non-invasive therapies, we also offer state-of-the-art surgical treatment for the neck and back.
Anesthesia and pain management are important parts of all surgical procedures we perform. Since many patients have been curious about these matters, we’d like to take a moment to go over some of the basics when it comes to spinal surgery and anesthetic.
Anesthetic Is a Crucial Part of Surgery
Administering anesthetic ensures that patients are free from pain and discomfort during a surgical procedure, and also experience little anxiety or stress while a major or minimally invasive surgery is being performed.
Prior to your spinal surgery, you will be able to discuss anesthesia options with your surgeon, which will help you understand what the procedures will entail. Typically this comes down to a question of general anesthetic or regional anesthetic.
General Anesthetic and Spinal Surgery
General anesthesia is what most people think of when they think of anesthesia. General anesthesia renders a patient completely unconscious. This means that he or she will be completely out and unaware while a surgical procedure is performed. In many cases, general anesthesia is considered ideal for major spinal surgeries that require complicated work and/or a long time to be performed.
Regional Blocks: Spinal and Epidural Anesthetic
Regional anesthetic refers to anesthesia that is localized to the area being operated on. In this case we mean spine or epidural anesthesia. Rather than being fully unconscious, patients simply receive this regional block to prevent them from feeling pain and major discomfort.
Is Regional Anesthetic Better Than General Anesthesia?
In some cases, regional anesthesia is preferable to general anesthesia. Patients typically come out from the effects of regional anesthetic much sooner than general anesthesia, and they are also less likely to experience nausea and other side effects. Regional anesthetic may also make more sense for minimally invasive procedures.
Will I Be Conscious During Surgery If I Get Regional Anesthesia?
Not necessarily. In many cases, patients will be sedated when they receive regional anesthesia. This means that they will be in a semi-conscious state rather than fully conscious. During sedation, a patient may be able to respond to some stimulus or questions, but memory of the procedure will be hazy or non-existent.
Sedation is an important part of many procedures, and it’s a way of keeping patients calm yet responsive for such kinds of operations.
How Safe Are These Anesthetic Options?
Safety is always of the utmost concern at Frisco Spine, which is why we take great care in all phases of a surgical procedure, from pre-op planning to the surgery itself to post-op recovery and follow-up care. Rest assured that your heal will remain a paramount concern to us, and that we will take all steps necessary to minimize any risk of anesthesia errors.
Contact the Team at Frisco Spine
For more information about spinal cord surgery and how we can help you experience restored mobility and wellness, we encourage you to contact our team of brain and spine surgeons today. The team at Frisco Spine will work with your to ensure that your back is healthy again.
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