“Is local anesthesia better than general anesthesia?”
Is local anesthesia better over general anesthesia? What are the factors considered before finalizing upon which anesthesia is better over the other? What if the patient has fears of being "knocked out"?
12 Answers
I think, it is better to verbalize your fears and doubts with your surgeon and anesthesiologist prior to the schedule.
Every case is decided differently, we do not make the recommendation this way. People are not the same. Decisions should be made by the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
The type of anesthesia chosen depends on the surgical requirements, the patient's medical conditions, and the patient's stated preferences. There are cases which can only be done with general anesthesia, so it is important that you discuss your preferences and fears with an anesthesiologist before the day of your planned surgery.
Minimal is usually better, however fear is better handled by general anesthesia. Speak to an anesthesiologist about options
If you are relatively healthy, the overall death risk is about the same for general anesthesia vs IV sedation with local anesthetic infiltration. Thus, patient preference could play the deciding card.
Prior to any procedure, your surgeon and anesthesia provider will, together with your input, formulate a plan for your anesthesia. If you have specific fears or concerns, this is the time to discuss them. We always have a discussion which includes Risks, Benefits, and Alternatives before getting the consent of the patient for the anesthesia care plan. In certain instances, there may be a bigger benefit or a bigger risk than normal, and all this will be factored in, It is not unusual to have patients have anxiety about having a general anesthetic where they will be rendered unconscious. Most of the time, preparation and education will allay those fears. Often, some anti-anxiety medication can also be helpful
Done correctly, local anesthesia or nerve block anesthesia provides adequate analgesia for some surgeries and has fewer side effects than general anesthesia; however, most patients tolerate general anesthesia well with no complications using modern methods.
George A. Mampilly
Anesthesiologist
There is no simple answer to this question. It would depend on the nature of the operation. There are very few operations that can be done solely with local anesthesia. That said, yes, local anesthesia is generally safer than general anesthesia and therefore better in few select situations.
Hello,
Although I have a preference for local anesthetic techniques, sometimes it is not always practical. There are also different levels of “knocked out.” There is conscious sedation, monitored anesthetic care, deep sedation and general anesthesia. Modern anesthesia is far more complex and much more closely monitored than years ago, making anesthesia administration easier and safer in properly trained hands.
Dr Ketch
Although I have a preference for local anesthetic techniques, sometimes it is not always practical. There are also different levels of “knocked out.” There is conscious sedation, monitored anesthetic care, deep sedation and general anesthesia. Modern anesthesia is far more complex and much more closely monitored than years ago, making anesthesia administration easier and safer in properly trained hands.
Dr Ketch
Local anesthesia is better than general anesthesia as there are less side effects and you will feel much better after local ansethesia.
It's not about better or worse. Some procedures can be done under local and some can't. If surgeon agrees and it's feasible, local is just fine of an option.
Boris Yaguda M.D.
Boris Yaguda M.D.
Local anesthesia is typically used for minor procedures whereas general anesthesia is used for a surgical procedure where local anesthesia would not be possible. Some surgical procedures can be done with regional anesthesia whereas local anesthesia is used to block a nerve or nerve bundle to an area. The best thing to do with fears you stated about being "knocked" out is to meet with the anesthesiologist prior to your procedure so that they understand what concerns you may have and can come up with the best plan of action for you.
