Anestesíu

Anestesíu, in practice often translated as anesthesia, is the medical discipline focused on producing a controlled state in which a patient does not feel pain during procedures. The aim is to provide analgesia (pain relief), amnesia (loss of memory of the procedure), and, when needed, unconsciousness, while preserving breathing and other vital bodily functions. Anesthesiology involves selecting appropriate anesthetic techniques, administering drugs, and monitoring the patient before, during, and after a procedure to minimize risks.

There are several main types of anesthetic care. General anesthesia induces a reversible loss of consciousness and sensation, typically achieved with inhaled volatile agents and/or intravenous drugs, and often requires airway management and mechanical ventilation. Regional anesthesia numbs a large area of the body by injecting drugs near a nerve or around the spinal cord, allowing the patient to remain awake or lightly sedated; this includes neuraxial techniques such as spinal and epidural anesthesia and various peripheral nerve blocks. Local anesthesia numbs a small, specific area and is often used for minor procedures, sometimes combined with light sedation. Sedation or monitored anesthesia care provides varying depths of consciousness and is usually used with local or regional blocks.

Common anesthetic agents include intravenous drugs (such as propofol and opioids) and inhaled agents (such as sevoflurane or desflurane), sometimes with muscle relaxants to facilitate surgery. Postoperative care typically occurs in a recovery area, where analgesia, nausea control, and monitoring continue until the patient is safe for discharge or transfer.

Safety is central to anesthesiology, involving risk assessment, continuous monitoring, and readiness to manage complications. Modern practice emphasizes individualized plans, evidence-based protocols, and multidisciplinary teamwork to optimize outcomes.