“What kind of anesthesia is used for septoplasty?”
I am a 19 year old female. I want to know what kind of anesthesia is used for septoplasty?
1 Answer
Anesthesia for septoplasty is generally accomplished by one of three techniques:
1. Local anesthesia: Topical/local anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine, cocaine) are placed around the septum to numb the septal region. In this technique, the patient is not sedated; that is, the patient is wide awake. An anesthesia professional is not usually involved with this technique.
2. Local anesthesia PLUS sedation: Same as 1, but the patient is sedated with inhaled agents (e.g., nitrous oxide), oral agents (e.g., lorazepam), or injected agents (commonly midazolam and fentanyl). The patient is not wide awake, but maintains their own airway, usually with a small amount of supplemental oxygen. The patient may experience recall with this technique. An anesthesia professional is usually involved with this technique.
3. General anesthesia: The patient is rendered completely unresponsive via a combination of inhaled and/or injected medications. An airway device is inserted to safely deliver oxygen/ventilate the patient. Anesthesia professionals are always involved with this technique.
The risks and benefits of each technique are best discussed with a physician anesthesiologist familiar with the patient's medical and surgical history. Surgeon preferences are usually taken into account by the anesthesiologist as well.
Good luck with your procedure!
Jeffrey Anderson, MD
1. Local anesthesia: Topical/local anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine, cocaine) are placed around the septum to numb the septal region. In this technique, the patient is not sedated; that is, the patient is wide awake. An anesthesia professional is not usually involved with this technique.
2. Local anesthesia PLUS sedation: Same as 1, but the patient is sedated with inhaled agents (e.g., nitrous oxide), oral agents (e.g., lorazepam), or injected agents (commonly midazolam and fentanyl). The patient is not wide awake, but maintains their own airway, usually with a small amount of supplemental oxygen. The patient may experience recall with this technique. An anesthesia professional is usually involved with this technique.
3. General anesthesia: The patient is rendered completely unresponsive via a combination of inhaled and/or injected medications. An airway device is inserted to safely deliver oxygen/ventilate the patient. Anesthesia professionals are always involved with this technique.
The risks and benefits of each technique are best discussed with a physician anesthesiologist familiar with the patient's medical and surgical history. Surgeon preferences are usually taken into account by the anesthesiologist as well.
Good luck with your procedure!
Jeffrey Anderson, MD
