Anesthesiology

Our Approach to Anesthesia in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

Having surgery can bring up worrisome feelings, especially about receiving anesthesia. UMass Memorial Health’s anesthesia team keeps you comfortable before, during and after your procedure. We listen to your concerns throughout the process and take steps to put you at ease and control pain.

Types of Anesthesia We Provide

We personalize your care, tailoring your medication based on your health history and the specific procedure.

General Anesthesia

We use general anesthesia for longer or complex surgeries. Your anesthesiologist delivers medication into your bloodstream through an IV or into your lungs through a mask. You enter a deep sleep and won’t feel anything during the surgery. Our skilled team monitors your vital signs, like heart rate and breathing. Once the surgery is complete, we give you medication to wake you up slowly.

Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC)

Monitored anesthesia care (sometimes called moderate sedation or MAC) relaxes you enough to sleep lightly during surgery. We give you medicine through an IV and numb the area where the surgeon is operating so you don’t feel any pain.

Regional Anesthesia

We numb the area where the surgery will take place by injecting medication near the nerves. Your team may use a spinal anesthetic or epidural anesthetic for procedures below the waist or during childbirth. Since you are awake, regional anesthesia allows you to communicate with your care team during the procedure, but you won’t feel any pain.