Does one need general anesthesia for hip replacement?
On One Hand: General Anesthesia Is Commonly UsedGeneral anesthesia is one type of anesthesia commonly used during hip replacement surgery. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, general anesthesia has an effect on the entire body, including both the brain and central nervous system. A person under general anesthesia will be in a very deep sleep; oxygen will typically need to be administered to help the breathing process. General anesthesia will be used if the hip replacement surgery is expected to be lengthy, risky or extensive.On the Other: Regional Anesthesia May Be A Better ChoiceIf the hip replacement is not expected to be difficult or risky, regional anesthesia may be used. Unlike general anesthesia, regional anesthesia will only numb a specific area of the body. In the case of hip replacement surgery, the body will be numb from the waist down. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, regional anesthesia typically has less complications during
