This is achieved by injecting the anesthetic directly to the nerves supplying the area needing surgery. There are several advantages to regional anesthesia. These include complete pain control without loss of consciousness and less chance of side effects like those associated with general anesthesia, such as sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and disorientation. Maintaining consciousness is an advantage during some hospital experiences, including childbirth. Regional anesthesia provides pain relief that may last several hours after the surgery without the need for additional pain medicine.
Regional anesthesia is a frequent choice for operations.
Many areas of the body are suitable for regional anesthesia. Pain impulses from spinal nerves are blocked before they reach the brain, and the surgeon can perform the operation without the patient feeling any pain at all. Once the anesthetic wears off, sensation and movement are restored. Spinal anesthesia has a very rapid onset and provides safe anesthesia for shorter operations, especially those in the lower abdominal and pelvic areas. Epidural anesthesia is now commonly used to relieve the pain of childbirth.