On-Site Anesthesia Services, Inc | Patient Care. Patient Focused.

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	On-Site was founded with the goal of providing outstanding anesthesia service for our clients. Over the past 14 years, we have developed a team of highly qualified and competent anesthesia providers who share both our vision in quality of care and patient satisfaction. To support this vision, On-Site has created patient information materials such as this website to help educate you and answer any questions you may have about your upcoming anesthesia. We believe that the supportiveness that good communication will bring will help alleviate some of the anxieties you may be feeling about your health and safety during your procedure. On-Site Anesthesia Services, Inc is committed to your health, your safety and your well being. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions, concerns or comments. Sincerely, The OSAS Team Patient Care. Patient Focused. Please keep in mind that information on this page does not constitute medical advice. As is the case with all medical conditions, be certain to consult with your physician if you have any questions or concerns. General Information What is Anesthesia? Anesthesia is a vital part of surgical practice, allowing surgeons to operate safely on patients by producing the loss of sensation and/or consciousness through the use of medications and close monitoring. Anesthesia provides comfort and maintains vital life functions during surgery and other medical procedures. Anesthesia is used to relax (sedate) you, block pain sensations (analgesia), induce sleepiness and forgetfulness (amnesia) or to make you unconscious for your surgery. The anesthetic option chosen for your individual procedure will be based on the type of procedure you are having, your physical status and in collaboration with your surgeon. How Does Anesthesia Work? Anesthesia can be administered as an inhaled gas delivered through the lungs or in the form of medication injected into the bloodstream. Anesthetics can act on receptors in the brain to produce pain relief and unconsciousness, or on the nervous system to produce pain relief and numbing of nerve pathways. When anesthetics reach the bloodstream, the drugs that affect the brain pass through other blood vessels and organs so they are often affected too. Your anesthesia provider continuously monitors your vital functions such as heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, respiration and oxygen saturation to ensure maximum safety and comfort. Different Types of Anesthesia Anesthesia is generally divided into four basic categories: general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, local anesthesia and conscious sedation. The type of anesthesia that will be used for your procedure is based on a number of different factors such as the type of procedure you are having and your state of health in collaboration with your surgeon. 1) General Anesthesia: This is a state of total unconsciousness achieved by injecting drugs into the bloodstream (by way of an intravenous line) or breathed into the lungs (by placement of a tube into the windpipe or a soft tube sitting in the back of the throat). Risks may include sore throat, hoarseness, injury to mouth or teeth, aspiration, or pneumonia. 2) Spinal or Epidural Analgesia/Anesthesia: This is when a drug is injected through a needle or catheter directly into the spinal canal or outside the canal. It causes a temporary loss of feeling and/or movement out of the lower part of the body. Risks include headache, backache, buzzing in the ears, persistent weakness, numbness, residual pain, or injury to blood vessels. 3) Nerve Blocks: This technique is accomplished when a drug is injected near nerves that provide loss of sensation to the part of the body where the operation is taking place. Some examples of these types of blocks are dental injections, foot blocks, arm blocks, and shoulder blocks. Risks may include infection, convulsions, weakness, persistent numbness, residual pain and injury to blood vessels. 4) Monitored Anesthesia Care/with Sedation: This type of anesthesia is administered by way of an intravenous line usually placed in the arm or hand. Drugs are injected into the bloodstream to reduce anxiety and pain. It usually results in partial or total amnesia. It is frequently used as an adjunct with spinal/epidural anesthesia and nerve blocks. Risks may include variance in the depths of amnesia, depressed breathing, and injury to the intravenous site, such as pain and swelling. Who Administers Anesthesia? Anesthesia can be administered by an Anesthesiologist or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Both anesthesia providers are highly skilled in administering anesthesia, and all of On-Site anesthesia providers have many years of experience in providing safe and comfortable anesthesia. On the day of your surgery, you will meet your anesthesia provider who will ask you questions about your medical history and answer any questions you may have about the anesthesia for your procedure. This information is important to help your anesthesia provider understand your medical condition in order to provide you with safe and comfortable anesthesia. Please click on links below for more important information: Message ToThe Patient \| Things You Should Know \| Anesthesia FAQs \| Connect With Us