Capitol Anesthesiology Association

Just what is anesthesia? How does it work? What happens when all or part of you is "put to sleep"? To begin with, there are many different ways to anesthetize people for surgery. And with each technique, there are many variations. But overall, anesthesia can be divided into three main categories: General Anesthesia, which most people refer to as "being put to sleep"; Regional Anesthesia, when a large part of the body (but not all of it) is anesthetized; and Local Anesthesia. Anesthesiologists are also involved in intensive care, Obstetric Anesthesia, Pediatric Anesthesia, and Post-Operative Pain management.

While modern anesthesiologists have made great strides in improving the safety profile of anesthesia, there are still some risks of anesthesia.