Anesthesia services are provided by anesthesiologists who are highly qualified in all aspects of outpatient anesthesia.Your anesthesiologist will examine you before surgery and answer any questions you may have.  Be sure to talk to your anesthesiologist about any medications you are currently taking,even over-the-counter drugs. The appropriate type of anesthesia will be determined by your surgeon in consultation with the anesthesiologist.

There are three types of anesthesia:

• Local:  Local anesthesia numbs just the area being operated on.  An intravenous line (I.V.) may be used as well to help you relax.  Your surgeon, not an anesthesiologist, administers this type of anesthesia.

• Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC):  This type of anesthesia relieves pain during surgery and relaxes you without putting you to sleep.  An anesthesiologist administers this type of anesthesia and monitors you throughout the procedure.

• General:  This type of anesthesia puts you to sleep during the entire procedure.  Likewise, an anesthesiologist administers this type of anesthesia and monitors you throughout the procedure.