You can have a short nap or be fully awake. General anesthesia is the most common anesthetic used because of the patient’s desire not to know or feel anything. Then there is the spinal or epidural anesthetic that allows you to be awake. This is ideal for those who have a fear of going to sleep or have other major medical problems. Sedation and use of local anesthetics is the least invasive of anesthetic options. Many choose this so that recovery is almost immediate and the down time is minimal. If the case involves bladder, rectum, or bowel repair of if a hysterectomy is performed then general anesthesia is the standard.
