Did you know that there are many benefits to receiving local anesthesia? Dr. Brian Blick, a board-certified anesthesiologist and Chief of Anesthesia at Great Plains Regional Medical Center, discusses the seven most incredible benefits of local anesthesia in this blog post. From reducing anxiety to decreasing the risk of complications, local anesthesia can help improve your experience before and during surgery. If you are considering surgery, ask your doctor about the benefits of local anesthesia!
Benefit #01: Reduces Anxiety
One of the most common reasons people choose to receive local anesthesia is to reduce anxiety. Dr Brian Blick explains, “Local anesthesia can help patients feel more comfortable and relaxed before surgery. This can decrease anxiety and improve the overall surgical experience.” If you are feeling anxious about your upcoming surgery, talk to your doctor about the option of receiving local anesthesia.
Benefit #02: Decreases Risk of Complications
Another great benefit of local anesthesia is that it can decrease the risk of complications during surgery. Dr. Blick says, “Complications from general anesthesia are rare, but they do happen. Local anesthesia minimizes the risks by numbing only the area that will be operated on.” This means that you will be awake and alert during surgery, which can help reduce the risk of complications.
Benefit #03: Improves Recovery Time
Local anesthesia can also improve recovery time after surgery. Dr. Blick explains, “Because local anesthesia numbs only the area that is being operated on, patients typically recover from surgery more quickly.” This means that you can get back to your normal activities sooner!
Benefit #04: Decreases Pain After Surgery
Another benefit of local anesthesia is that it can decrease pain after surgery. Dr. Blick says, “Many patients report less pain after surgery when they have received local anesthesia.” This is because the area that was operated on will be numb, and you will not feel any pain in that area.
Benefit #05: Decreases Risk of Infection
Another great benefit of local anesthesia is that it can decrease the risk of infection. Dr. Blick explains, “When patients receive general anesthesia, they are at a higher risk for developing an infection. Local anesthesia decreases this risk because it numbs only the area that is being operated on.” This means you will be less likely to develop an infection after surgery.
Benefit #06: Improves Outcomes
Local anesthesia can also improve outcomes after surgery. Dr. Blick says, “Studies have shown that patients who receive local anesthesia have better outcomes after surgery than those who receive general anesthesia.” This is because you will be more alert and able to communicate with your doctor during surgery, which can help improve the overall outcome of your surgery.
Benefit #07: Decreases Cost
One of the final benefits of local anesthesia is that it can decrease the cost of your surgery. Dr. Blick explains, “Local anesthesia is typically less expensive than general anesthesia so that it can save you money on your surgical bill.” This means that you can save money on your surgery while still receiving the same great care!
Endnote:
If you are considering surgery, be sure to ask your doctor about the benefits of local anesthesia! From reducing anxiety to decreasing the risk of infection, local anesthesia can help improve your experience before and during surgery. Don’t forget to mention that it can also save you money on your surgical bill! Thanks for reading!