All about anesthesia

Most people experience anesthesia at some time in their lives and some undergo anesthesia many times. It is normal for people to be uneasy about it. Modern anesthesia is very safe and modern surgery would not be possible without developments in anesthesia. This website explains what anesthesia is, how anesthesia is given, and how anesthesiologists care for you. You can also learn how anesthesia affects you and how you can affect your anesthetic.

How to use this website

You can read the stories of typical patients as they make their way to and from the Operating Room. Or, you can select any of the topics in the top Menu.

A note on pronunciation

In all of these words, the ‘th’ is pronounced as in ‘think’, not as in ‘these’.

∙ anesthesia is pronounced ‘an-ess-THEEZ-ya’.

∙ anesthetic is pronounced ‘an-ess-THETT-ik’.

∙ anesthesiologist is pronounced ‘AN-ess-THEEZ-ee-OL-o-jist’.