For a long time, people sought to alleviate suffering, to conquer pain. For centuries, scientists invented methods to eliminate intolerable discomfort during surgery. And only when anesthesia was invented did it become possible.
a brief description of
Anesthesia is a temporary loss of pain sensitivity. In ancient times, decoctions, infusions, ice, poppy, alcohol, and dope were used for pain relief. Everything was applied that could at least slightly dull the sensation of pain.
The discovery of the anesthetic properties of cocaine laid the foundation for local anesthesia. However, pronounced dependence and high toxicity were huge disadvantages of this method. Later, the drug Novocain appeared, which in 1905 was used for local anesthesia.
It is difficult to imagine how many procedures were performed without the analgesic effect of pain. Anesthesia is a unique opportunity:
- rid the patient of discomfort and pain;
- create the necessary conditions for the operation of the surgeon.
Main types
Each anesthesia method has its own mechanism of action on the human body, complexity and methodology. Today several of its species are known:
- local anesthesia;
- regional;
- conductor;
- general anesthesia.
The first three types of anesthesia are the interruption of the transmission of impulses from tactile, temperature, pain receptors through the nervous system. The depth, duration and area of anesthesia depend on the drug, its volume and concentration, as well as the method and place of administration. For these anesthetics, medications are used:
- "Lidocaine."
- "Novocaine".
- "Markain."
- "Bupivacaine."
- "Naropin."
Local anesthesia
A fairly common type of pain relief. Local anesthesia is a great chance to perform simple and small operations. It is widely in demand in dentistry, some surgical interventions. Local anesthesia is anesthesia that can be done in several ways. Consider them.
Injection anesthesia
This method is based on the introduction of anesthetic in layers. Initially, the drug is injected intradermally with a thin needle. The so-called "lemon peel" is formed. Next, a longer needle is used, which infiltrates the required tissues in layers. In the area of the operation, a blockage of nerve endings occurs. For this procedure, solutions with a concentration of 0.125-0.5% are used.
The patient does not experience pain, but the discomfort remains.
Application anesthesia
What kind of anesthesia is this? This procedure involves the use of a gel, ointment, patch, emulsion for a small area of the skin or mucous membrane. Such anesthesia has a short-term and superficial character. It is used to carry out painless procedures on a small area of the skin.
Possible complications of such anesthesia are allergic reactions.
Conduction anesthesia
This procedure is performed by a surgeon, most often an anesthetist. So, conduction anesthesia - what is it? This is the name of the introduction of an anesthetic drug into the region of the conducting nerves or nerve trunk at a certain distance from the operated area. This allows you to achieve the blockade of the impulses.
Such manipulation does not exclude the risk of damage to a nearby vessel with the formation of significant hematomas. Damage to both nerves and the trunk is also possible. Unpleasant consequences can lead to a prolonged violation of skin sensitivity, loss of functioning of muscle tissue. The patient will need a long recovery period.
Regional anesthesia
Such anesthesia is performed by an experienced specialist anesthetist. This is the most popular method. Regional anesthesia is used for painful, bulky and traumatic operations. There are two types of exposure.
Spinal anesthesia
This is a procedure that is also called subarachnoid or spinal. It involves the introduction of a local anesthetic into the spinal canal. A thin special needle is used, which introduces 1-3 ml of the drug into strictly defined places.
Spinal anesthesia is a 100% guarantee that the spinal cord will not be accidentally damaged. This “error” is completely excluded, since an anesthetic is administered at special levels at which the spinal cord is absent.
Anesthetic effect is achieved after 1-3 minutes. In this case, depending on the anesthetic, it lasts from 40 to 120 minutes.
The manipulation is painless. Provides excellent analgesic effect. Due to the blockade of impulses, complete relaxation of the muscles is achieved.
Epidural anesthesia
Such manipulation in terms of efficiency and technique is quite similar to the spinal cord. However, epidural anesthesia also has its differences. This is, firstly, the larger diameter of the needle. Secondly, with the introduction of it is not brought to the spinal canal. An anesthetic in the required amount (usually from 10 to 20 ml) is distributed over the meninges. It washes motor and sensory nerve roots.
If we talk about the duration, then epidural anesthesia is anesthesia for 40-120 minutes. Exactly the same as with the spinal technique. However, this method has a great advantage. Through the lumen of the needle, a special catheter can be inserted into the epidural space. This makes it possible to re-enter the anesthetic if necessary. Thus, it is possible to extend anesthesia to 7-8, and sometimes more than hours.
The severity of this anesthesia depends on the drug administered, its concentration and dose. This technique of anesthesia is widely in demand with most surgical interventions. Epidural anesthesia is used during childbirth, cesarean section surgery. It is indispensable in the treatment of various chronic pain syndromes.
Possible consequences
If complications are touched, it should be emphasized that they are extremely rare. In patients after regional anesthesia, the following can be observed:
- Headache. Patients encounter it after a spinal technique.
- Pain in the spine. Discomfort can be felt for a long time. This phenomenon is observed after the epidural method.
- Pressure reduction. There is an expansion of many small vessels. This leads to a sharp redistribution of blood flow to the periphery from the central channel.
- Epidural hematoma after damage to the vascular plexus. Characteristic for people with reduced blood coagulation. The hematoma exerts pressure on the spinal roots. The patient feels a violation of skin sensitivity in this area and pain.
- Total spinal block. The most serious complication, which is practically untreatable and threatens the patient's life. It is extremely rare. Such a pathology can be provoked by an accidental puncture of the dura mater in which an amount of anesthetic intended for epidural administration enters the spinal canal.
General anesthesia
With this procedure, the cerebral cortex and some subcortical structures are inhibited. With deep anesthesia, even the respiratory and vasomotor centers in the medulla are affected . However, pain impulses still enter the brain. At the same time, their perception, as well as the response, is oppressed.
The main types of general anesthesia are:
Conclusion
Despite the possible complications of each type of anesthesia, such effects are extremely rare. Positive results are achieved thanks to the capabilities and knowledge of the anesthetist. It is he who can predict in advance possible difficulties and complications. Accordingly, the doctor will offer the best way to anesthetize, and also take all measures to prevent unpleasant consequences.
Throughout the operation, constant hardware and laboratory monitoring is performed. Automatically controlled pressure, heart function, blood oxygen saturation. With prolonged interventions, additional studies are conducted that monitor all vital functions of the body.