lanestèsia

Lanestèsia is not a widely used term in contemporary medical literature and is likely a misspelling or regional variant of anestèsia, the Catalan word for anesthesia. In standard references, anesthesia describes the medical practice of inducing insensitivity to pain to allow procedures to be performed safely and comfortably. The concept covers several modalities and techniques used to prevent awareness and sensation during surgery or diagnostic procedures.

Types of anesthesia include general anesthesia, which renders the patient unconscious; regional anesthesia, which blocks sensation in a larger part of the body; local anesthesia, which numbs a small area; and monitored anesthesia care, which combines sedation with pain relief while the patient may remain awake or lightly sedated. Anesthetic agents include inhaled gases such as sevoflurane or desflurane and intravenous drugs such as propofol, ketamine, and opioids, often used in combination with muscle relaxants and adjunct medications. The choice of technique depends on the procedure, patient age, comorbidities, and risk factors.

Monitoring is essential and typically includes heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, ventilation, and sometimes capnography and end-tidal gas concentrations. The goal is to maintain stable respiration, circulation, and consciousness appropriate to the procedure, while minimizing risks such as airway compromise, respiratory depression, cardiovascular instability, hypersensitivity, and related complications. The practice is carried out by trained professionals, most notably anesthesiologists, with support from nurse anesthetists and anesthesia technicians in various health care settings.

Etymology: anestèsia derives from Greek roots meaning lack of sensation; lanestèsia is not a standard Catalan spelling. See anestèsia for the customary term.