Local anesthesia is a temporary loss of pain in a certain part of the body. With this type of anesthesia, the patient is conscious, but does not feel any pain. Local anesthesia is used for simple and short-term operations, as well as in the presence of contraindications to general anesthesia.
Local anesthesia: types
- Epidural anesthesia is a conductive anesthesia, the effect of which is achieved through drug blockade of the spinal root. With this type of anesthesia, using a special catheter, an anesthetic is injected into the epidural space between the vertebrae. The effect of the drug occurs in 10-25 minutes. They are used during various types of operations in all areas of medicine.
- Terminal anesthesia is an anesthesia that is performed by direct exposure to the tissue of the desired organ. As a rule, this type of anesthesia is performed by lubricating the surface of the mucosa or by instillation of the necessaryanesthetic. Very often used in dental, ophthalmic and urological practice.
- Spinal anesthesia is a type of anesthesia, the action of which is achieved by the introduction of an anesthetic into the subarachnoid space by performing a spinal puncture. Quite often it is used during operations on the pelvic organs, the genitourinary system and the abdominal cavity. But this local anesthesia is unsafe, as there is a risk of blockade of the vascular-motor and respiratory centers.
- Intravenous anesthesia - a type of regional anesthesia, performed by injecting an anesthetic drug into a vein. It is used for short-term and low-traumatic operations on the limbs.
- Conduction anesthesia is the direct injection of novocaine into a nerve or into the tissues surrounding it. Most often, such anesthesia is used for operations on the upper limbs and fingers.
- Intercostal anesthesia is the introduction of an anesthetic into the intercostal space. Used for damage to the chest, broken ribs.
- Intraosseous anesthesia is one of the options for intravenous anesthesia, performed by injecting an anesthetic into the cancellous bone, which after a while fills all the veins of the limbs, as a result of which anesthesia occurs.
Local anesthesia: contraindications
- Allergy to drugs used in local anesthesia.
- The presence of purulent formations at the puncture site.
- Shock.
- Hypotension.
- In some cases, obesity and spinal deformities.
Local anesthesia: complications
- The defeat of the human nervous system, which is accompanied by drowsiness, ringing in the ears and dizziness. Seizures may occasionally occur.
- Allergic reactions in the form of rashes on the patient's body, accompanied by itching. In severe situations, anaphylactic shock is possible.
- Lower blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular collapse.
- The appearance of bradycardia, which can lead to cardiac arrest.
Note: one of the most popular types of general anesthesia is endotracheal anesthesia, which is performed by supplying a narcotic substance and oxygen through a tube inserted directly into the trachea without involving the nasal cavity and mouth in this process.
