Anesthesiology

Getting ready for a procedure can feel overwhelming, and your comfort and safety matter to us every step of the way. Our anesthesiology services are led by skilled, board-certified physician anesthesiologists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) who care for you before, during, and after your surgery. From general anesthesia to regional options, we tailor your surgical anesthesia care to your needs, your health history, and the procedure ahead.

Who this care is for

If you are scheduled for a procedure at our Ambulatory Surgery Center, our anesthesia team is here for you. Whether you need a minor outpatient procedure or a more involved surgery, we work to keep you safe, calm, and free from pain throughout your care.

Expert, board-certified anesthesia care

Every member of our team brings deep training and experience to your side. A board-certified anesthesiologist is a physician who specializes in administering anesthesia and monitoring your vital signs during surgery. Working alongside our physicians, our CRNAs are advanced practice nurses with extensive training in delivering safe, effective anesthetics.

With immediate electronic access to your medical records, your anesthesia team can review your health history and current condition before your procedure begins. They then partner with your lead surgeon to design an anesthesia plan built around you. This team-based, patient-centered approach helps you feel supported and confident on the day of your surgery.

The right type of anesthesia depends on your procedure, your health, and your comfort. Our specialists offer four main options:

• General anesthesia: Relaxes your muscles, puts you to sleep, and prevents pain and memory of the operation. It may be given intravenously (IV), as an inhaled gas through a breathing mask or tube, or both.
• Local anesthesia: Numbs the specific area being treated. It is often used for simple procedures such as closing a cut or removing a small skin growth.
• Local anesthesia with sedation: Combines numbing with medication to help you relax. It is commonly used for endoscopies, podiatric procedures, and other less extensive surgeries.
• Regional anesthesia: Numbs a larger area of the body for more involved procedures. Spinal and epidural anesthesia are two types given in the spine to numb the trunk or lower body, and they are frequently used for labor and delivery.

Spinal and epidural anesthesia can support many operations below the navel, including rectal, bladder, leg, and prostate surgery. Your surgeon and anesthesia team will talk through the best choice for you before your procedure.

How your anesthesia care works

We keep the process clear and reassuring from start to finish:

1. Review: Your anesthesia team studies your medical records, health history, and current medications.
2. Plan: Your anesthesiologist and CRNA collaborate with your surgeon to choose the safest, most effective anesthesia option.
3. Discuss: Your team explains your plan and answers your questions before your procedure.
4. Care: During surgery, your team monitors you closely to protect your safety and comfort.
5. Recover: After your procedure, we continue to watch over you as the anesthesia wears off.

Why choose Summit Health?

• Board-certified physician anesthesiologists and experienced CRNAs
• A collaborative, patient-first care team approach
• Immediate access to your medical records for informed decisions
• State-of-the-art general, local, sedation, and regional anesthesia options
• A focus on your safety, comfort, and peace of mind