Anesthesia and Surgery Anesthesia is an important part of your surgery. An anesthesiologist and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) will be your advocate throughout your surgery. Anesthesia controls pain during a surgery or procedure by using a medicine called anesthetics. During your surgery, you will be monitored for comfort and safety, and kept free of pain. After your surgery, you will be awakened and taken to the Recovery Room. The Anesthesia team will: Assess your medical history Review previous anesthesia experiences and explain exactly what is going to happen Monitor your breathing, blood pressure, blood flow, and heart functions Remain with you throughout the entire surgery Preparing for Anesthesia: Quit smoking (ask your healthcare provider for assistance) Take medications as directed by your preadmission nurse Try to stay calm Type of Anesthesia: General: Affects your entire body You are unconscious Breathing is controlled with an endotracheal tube inserted into the windpipe Will remain asleep and wake at the end of the surgery IV Sedation: Given through an intravenous (IV) placed in a vein Patients may be able to talk, depending on the level of anesthesia used, or instead be in a deep sleep. Patients are able to breathe on their own without intubation Local: Numbs a small area of the body for minor procedures Blocks pain You may remain awake During your surgery, you will be monitored for comfort and safety, and kept free of pain. After your surgery, you will be awakened and taken to the recovery room.