Patients have many options for anesthesia, depending on their health, the type of surgery they need, and, when possible, their own preferences.

With general anesthesia, patients are not conscious and feel no pain. Regional anesthesia numbs large areas of the body. Epidural anesthesia, and spinal anesthesia, both within the spinal column, block sensation in sections of the body. They are often used with other medications to make you drowsy.

With many types of anesthesia and sedation, an anesthesiologist will monitor your breathing, heartbeat, temperature and other body functions.

Anesthesiologists at Southside use the newest techniques and equipment during surgery to control patients' level of consciousness, to monitor their heart rates and rhythm, blood pressure, and to make certain they receive enough oxygen.

The hospital tries to accommodate patients in their choice of an anesthesiologist for elective, or non-emergency, surgery whenever possible.