# Anesthesia Keywords: - [anesthesia](< /en/search?q=anesthesia >) - [surgery unit](< /en/search?q=surgery unit >) - [surgical procedure](< /en/search?q=surgical procedure >) - ... Show all keywords - [operating room](< /en/search?q=operating room >) - [perioperative and intensive care](< /en/search?q=perioperative and intensive care >) Anesthesia is loss of sensation or consciousness to prevent pain for a procedure or surgery. The anesthesiologist chooses the appropriate form of anesthesia by talking to you and the physician performing the surgery. The form of anesthesia chosen depends on the nature and extent of the procedure, your age, your general condition, and your own wishes.  Anesthesia can be given either by putting the patient to sleep or numbing the area being treated in various ways. The best option is always chosen for each person individually. General anesthesia is suitable for almost all surgical procedures. Falling asleep is quick and the personnel will monitor the depth of sleep and your well-being during surgery. Under spinal anesthesia, the anesthetic is injected into the spinal cord space using a fine needle to achieve numbness and painlessness from the waist downwards. In epidural anesthesia, a thin plastic catheter is placed in the epidural space located outside the spinal cord. The catheter can also be used for treating postoperative pain. For smaller procedures, the procedure area is anesthetized locally. If necessary, more anesthetic may be administered during the surgical procedure. At HUS, surgeries are performed in several hospitals located across Uusimaa. Anesthesia may be administered in various examinations and procedures outside the operating rooms as well. ## How should I prepare for surgery and anesthesia? --- Before the procedure, you will receive instructions on how to prepare for anesthesia and your surgery. [For more information on preparing for surgery (in Finnish), you can visit the Leikkaukseen tulijan talo on the Terveyskylä website.](https://www.terveyskyla.fi/leikkaukseen) ## What happens after anesthesia? --- After anesthesia, you will be monitored in a recovery room or another unit intended for post-operative recovery. [The Leikkauksen tulijan talo web hub has more information in Finnish about recovering from surgery.](https://www.terveyskyla.fi/leikkaukseen) ## Are there any risks associated with anesthesia? --- Although anesthesia is generally safe, it does involve some risks. #### More information on our patient guide [ Information about anaesthesia and anaesthesia-related risks (adults)(pdf 221.19 KB)  (opens in new window, links to another website) ](https://www.hus.fi/sites/default/files/2023-01/Information%20about%20anaesthesia%20and%20anaesthesia-related%20risks%20%28adults%29_0.pdf) Likelihood to recommend (NPS) ## Perioperative and Intensive Care Palautteita (kpl) 6113 Tilanne 2.10.2026 -100 89 100 i What is NPS? ## Units related to the service ### [ Anesthesia and Surgery Unit, Hyvinkää Hospital ](/en/patient/hospitals-and-other-units/hyvinkaa-hospital/anesthesia-and-surgery-unit-hyvinkaa-hospital) In the Hyvinkää Hospital Anesthesia and Surgery Unit, we treat patients from all age groups who arrive for a planned procedure or through the emergency… ### [ Anesthesia and Surgery Unit, Lohja Hospital ](/en/patient/hospitals-and-other-units/lohja-hospital/anesthesia-and-surgery-unit-lohja-hospital) At Lohja Hospital Anesthesia and Surgery Unit, we perform inpatient and ambulatory surgeries.  ### [ Anesthesia and Surgery Unit K, Jorvi Hospital ](/en/patient/hospitals-and-other-units/jorvi-hospital/anesthesia-and-surgery-unit-k-jorvi-hospital) At the Jorvi Hospital Anesthesia and Surgery Unit K, we perform surgeries to the abdomen, such as gastrointestinal surgery. All bariatric surgeries in HUS… ### [ Anesthesia and Surgery Unit L, Jorvi Hospital ](/en/patient/hospitals-and-other-units/jorvi-hospital/anesthesia-and-surgery-unit-l-jorvi-hospital) At Jorvi Hospital’s Anesthesia and Surgery Unit L, we perform gastroenterological surgery and endocrine surgery, such as thyroid surgery, as well as… - [Show more](?page=1 "Load more items") Updated: 02.09.2026 Print this page