There are several types of anaesthesia.
During general anaesthesia, loss of consciousness is induced by medicinal products that are administered intravenously and/or inhaled. Continuous monitoring and artificial, mechanical and/or pharmacological control are carried out to compensate for certain functions: respiration, hemodynamic and muscle tone. After the operation, the effect of general anaesthetics must be blocked by administering drugs which help to revive the patient and minimise the side effects.
Loco-regional anaesthesia involves an area served by one or more nerves. Consciousness and respiration are therefore maintained. The distinction is made between axial anaesthesia (lower body) and peripheral anaesthesia (limb or segment of limb). Local anaesthesia is usually performed by injecting anaesthetics into the tissue or by applying an anaesthetic gel or cream.