Non-Surgical Anesthesia: A Comprehensive Overview
Anesthesia plays a crucial role in modern medicine, extending beyond surgery to a wide range of non-surgical applications, including diagnostic imaging, pain management, and psychiatric treatments. In these settings, anesthesia enhances patient comfort, reduces pain, and allows for procedures that would otherwise be intolerable due to discomfort or the need for complete stillness. The use of anesthesia in non-surgical contexts is diverse, ranging from mild sedation to deep anesthesia, depending on the nature of the procedure and the specific needs of the patient. Contexts include diagnostic imaging, pain management, and psychiatric treatments. Understanding the role of anesthesia in non-surgical settings is essential for optimizing patient care and expanding its therapeutic applications.
Many diagnostic and interventional procedures require some form of anesthesia or sedation to minimize patient discomfort and anxiety. These procedures, while not necessarily painful, can be distressing or require complete stillness for accuracy. Endoscopies and colonoscopies often utilize conscious sedation with agents like midazolam or propofol to ensure patient relaxation while maintaining responsiveness. For cardiac catheterization, sedation helps patients tolerate prolonged procedures while ensuring stable cardiovascular function. Finally, for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, pediatric and claustrophobic patients may require mild sedation to remain still during imaging studies 1–3.
Anesthesia techniques are also critical in managing chronic pain and can function as alternatives to long-term opioid use. Nerve blocks—the injection of local anesthetics or steroids near nerves to block pain signals—are commonly used for conditions like sciatica or arthritis. In addition, epidural and intrathecal injections can help manage severe pain conditions, including cancer-related pain and chronic lower back pain. Finally, low-dose ketamine is used for refractory chronic pain and neuropathic conditions, offering relief for patients who do not respond to conventional treatments 4–6.
Anesthesia-assisted therapies have gained attention in psychiatric treatments as well, potentially providing new avenues for managing mental health conditions. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used for severe depression and bipolar disorder. Various anesthetic techniques can control seizure-induced hemodynamic changes and side effects. Furthermore, some research suggests that ketamine infusions have rapid antidepressant effects, making them a potential option for treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 7,8.
The expanding role of anesthesia in non-surgical settings highlights its versatility and impact on patient care. Innovations in anesthetic drugs and delivery methods continue to enhance safety and effectiveness. As research progresses, anesthesia’s applications beyond the operating room will likely grow, improving treatment outcomes in diverse medical fields. Understanding and refining the use of anesthesia in non-surgical settings will contribute to better patient experiences, reduced procedural risks, and broader therapeutic possibilities across modern medicine.
References
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3. Anesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography procedures – UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/anesthesia-for-magnetic-resonance-imaging-and-computed-tomography-procedures.
4. Riccardi, A. et al. Narrative Review: Low-Dose Ketamine for Pain Management. J Clin Med 12, 3256 (2023). DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093256
5. Farquhar-Smith, P. & Chapman, S. Neuraxial (epidural and intrathecal) opioids for intractable pain. Br J Pain 6, 25–35 (2012). DOI: 10.1177/2049463712439256
6. Wiederhold, B. D., Garmon, E. H., Peterson, E., Stevens, J. B. & O’Rourke, M. C. Nerve Block Anesthesia. in StatPearls (StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL), 2025).
7. Kurdi, M. S., Theerth, K. A. & Deva, R. S. Ketamine: Current applications in anesthesia, pain, and critical care. Anesth Essays Res 8, 283–290 (2014). DOI: 10.4103/0259-1162.143110
8. Reasoner, J. & Rondeau, B. Anesthetic Considerations in Electroconvulsive Therapy. in StatPearls (StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL), 2025).