Many patients find anesthesia to be the most intimidating part of spine surgery. Although being asleep during surgery may sound scary, experienced anesthesiology teams ensure that it is safe. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute is a state-of-the-art pain center with  locations near you in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Here, we educate patients about what to expect from anesthesia in minimally invasive spine surgery.
Key Takeaways
- Anesthesia is used to control pain and keep the patient relaxed during spine surgery.
- Types of anesthesia include general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and sedation.
- The most appropriate type depends on the procedure and the patient’s preferences.
How Is Anesthesia Used During MIS Spine Surgery?
Anesthesia is a temporary, medically induced loss of sensation or awareness during a medical procedure. The goal of anesthesia is to prevent pain and keep the patient relaxed. Even minimally invasive surgeries involve cutting, nudging, and altering structures in the spine. That’s painful to patients who are fully alert. In addition, tension in the back can interfere with the surgeon’s work. Spine surgeons need the spine to stay still while they operate.
Anesthesiologists are doctors who specialize in administering anesthesia and sedation. They are experts in administration, dosages, and more, to ensure a safe procedure. Anesthesiologists work with patients to tailor anesthesia to each individual. They help the patient understand the different types of anesthesia and respect their preferences when deciding on a method.
What Types of Anesthesia Are There?
Spine surgeons have access to several types of anesthesia. While they all share the same goal of pain control, they take slightly different approaches that preserve different amounts of awareness. The standard anesthesia options include:
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is anesthesia that works throughout the whole body, making the patient unconscious and insensitive to all stimuli. Patients experience general anesthesia as a deep sleep, and they don’t have any recollection of their surgery. General anesthesia is usually administered through an intravenous (IV) line or by breathing gas from a mask.
Regional Anesthesia
Regional anesthesia blocks pain in a region of the body, like a limb or everything below the waist. The patient maintains complete awareness but can’t feel or move anything in the anesthetized area. Nerve blocks are a type of regional anesthesia. This method is usually administered with an injection, and it may be used in conjunction with sedation.
Sedation
Sedation is also called monitored anesthesia care (MAC) or twilight sleep. It makes the patient relaxed or sleepy, but it keeps them aware enough to wake up and respond if they need to communicate. Patients experience it as light napping, and they usually do not remember the procedure. Sedation is usually administered with an IV line or inhaled gas, although it may also be an injection or oral medication.
Which Type of Anesthesia Is Right for Me?
The recommended anesthesia type depends on several factors. Things that anesthesiologists consider when making the decision include:
- Procedure type: More invasive procedures require heavier sedation or anesthesia.
- Medical history: Some patients have negative reactions to certain anesthesia methods.
- Patient’s preferences: Patients may prefer to sleep or to stay aware during treatment.
Patients should not hesitate to ask the anesthesiologist questions to understand their options better. By learning more, patients can make informed decisions about their care.
What Are Side Effects After Anesthesia?
After receiving surgery under anesthesia, patients are taken to a recovery room. The anesthesiologist or a team of nurses will monitor the patient while they wake up from anesthesia. Patients can go home whenever they are alert and responsive, though they still should not drive that day. It can take a while for anesthesia to wear off completely. During this time, patients may feel side effects such as:
- Nausea
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Chills
- Muscle pain
Most anesthesia side effects go away within 24 hours. If the symptoms do not improve after a day, then patients should call the doctor.
Learn More About MIS Spine Surgery Near You in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida
Anesthesia is an important part of MIS spine surgery. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute ensures success with personalized options and an experienced anesthesiology team. Transform your life with a touch of care at one of our locations near you in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania. To learn more about our anesthesia approach or to make an appointment, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anesthesia
When is general anesthesia required for MIS spine procedures?
General anesthesia is required for complex MIS spine procedures such as spinal fusion and disc replacement. It is also recommended for patients with severe anxiety.
Are there MIS spine surgeries that can be done with sedation instead of full anesthesia?
Yes. Microdiscectomy, hemilaminectomy, and other extremely minimally invasive procedures can be done with sedation alone.
How do my age and medical conditions affect anesthesia choices?
Older patients are more susceptible to anesthesia. They require lower doses to be fully anesthetized, and they are more likely to experience long-term side effects. Depending on the procedure and the patient’s overall health, sedation may be an appropriate alternative to general anesthesia for some older adults or patients with certain medical conditions.
How long will it take to wake up and feel normal after anesthesia?
Most patients take between 10 and 20 minutes to wake up after anesthesia. Feeling normal, however, can take up to 24 hours.
Can I talk with the anesthesia doctor before the day of surgery?
Yes, you can talk with the anesthesiologist before the surgery day. Talking with the anesthesiologist is a good opportunity to learn more about your options, ask questions, alleviate concerns, and express your preferences for what type of anesthesia to use.