Anesthesiology

Anesthesiology, as defined by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), is the practice of medicine dedicated to the relief of pain and total care of the surgical patient before, during and after surgery.  Anesthesiologists focus on the patient's comfort and safety throughout a surgical procedure and afterwards through various pain management methods.  Anesthesiologists are also involved in intensive care, Obstetrical Anesthesia, Pediatric Anesthesia, and Post-Operative Pain Management.

There are a variety of ways to anesthetize a patient for surgery.  With each technique there are many variations.  Overall, anesthesia may 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.

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