Frequently Asked Questions About Anesthesia and Surgery
If you are having a surgical procedure done, you probably have some questions about the kind of anesthesia and pain relief medication you can expect. The American Society of Anesthesiologists wants to help you answer them. This page contains a list of some of the most common questions, and we encourage you to browse the rest of this site for more information. Even though we have answers to many questions, remember it’s best to consult with your anesthesiologist or physician about your personal situation.
If you are a patient who wants to share your anesthesia-related story with ASA or a reporter please contact ASA communications at communications@asahq.org or 847-825-5586.
Please note: The ASA does not employ physician anesthesiologists on staff and cannot respond to patient inquiries regarding specific medical conditions or anesthesia administration. Those should be directed to your anesthesiologist or general physician.
Learn more about key anesthesia topics. Click on the appropriate category below to find your question and answer.
Anesthesia experience
Types of anesthesia
Obstetric anesthesia
Pediatric anesthesia
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and anesthesia