Your Atlanta GI Experts
If you are scheduling a GI procedure, you may be experiencing some anxiety about the anesthesia. You may be wondering what types of anesthesia are available, and which one is right for you. The team at GI Specialists of Georgia is here to help. We are experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for GI procedures and will work with you to ensure that you are comfortable and safe during your procedure. Our mission is to provide the safest and most comfortable patient experience that will extend to families, friends, and assigned caregivers. We appreciate your trust and look forward to your visit.
What Is an Anesthesia Procedure?
An anesthesia procedure is a medical procedure that uses medication to block pain during a surgery or other medical procedure. There are different types of anesthesia, and the type that is right for you will be determined by your medical team based on your health history and the type of procedure you are having.
Anesthesia Awareness by GI Specialists of Georgia
On the day of your procedure, the CRNA will review your records and perform a pre-anesthesia evaluation to create an individualized plan of care for your procedure. A comprehensive history and physical are collected at your bedside, and an explanation of the recommended anesthesia to be provided is given. The type of anesthesia used will depend on your general health as well as the procedure being performed. The CRNA at GI Specialists of Georgia will then discuss the anesthesia plan of care with you, answer any questions and address any concerns prior to your procedure.
Types of Anesthesia
There are three main types of anesthesia: general, regional, and local. The type of anesthesia you get will depend on what type of procedure is being performed. Your medical practitioner will go over your options with you before you begin.
- General: General anesthesia is used to make you unconscious during a surgery or procedure. You will not feel any pain, nor will you remember anything about the surgery.
- Regional: Regional anesthesia numbs a larger area of your body. There are different types of regional anesthesia, including epidural and spinal anesthesia. With regional anesthesia, you may be awake, but you will not feel any pain in the numb area.
- Local: Local anesthesia numbs a small area of your body and is typically applied to the exterior of your skin. You remain awake and alert for the duration of your procedure.
Effects of Anesthesia
The effects of anesthesia can vary depending on the type of anesthesia you receive.
- General anesthesia is likely to cause drowsiness, confusion, and memory loss. These side effects typically wear off within a few hours after your surgery.
- Regional anesthesia can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the area where it was applied. The numbness and tingling will go away when the anesthesia wears off, but the weakness may last for a few hours.
- Local anesthesia can cause numbness, tingling, and redness in the area where it was applied. These effects typically go away within a few hours.
The Anesthesia Care Team at GI Specialists of Georgia
The team of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist providers at GI Specialists of Georgia has extensive experience in personalized caregiving within each of our Gastroenterology-specific Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Each CRNA is licensed and certified by the National Board of Certification/Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) and our Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certified. The CRNAs are employees of GI Specialists of Georgia and therefore are held to the same standards of excellence that exist throughout our practice. Our anesthesia technicians are committed to your care.
Dedicated Anesthesia Services by GI Specialists of Georgia
At GI Specialists of Georgia, we provide the safest and highest quality anesthesia care and other services for our patients. We understand that having a GI procedure can be anxiety-inducing, and we are here to ease your fears and ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our anesthesia services or to schedule a consultation.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Atlanta-Area Gastroenterologists
Whether you’re here for an endoscopic ultrasound or a colonoscopy, we will treat you with the utmost respect and dignity. Our gastroenterologists in the Douglasville and Northwest Atlanta area believe in the importance of educating our patients on a variety of health topics, ranging from anemia to gastrointestinal infections, cirrhosis of the liver, and pancreatitis. To schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified gastroenterologists, please contact GI Specialists of Georgia today.
"*" indicates required fields
