spinal anesthesia
Spinal anesthesia is a medical procedure used to block sensation in the lower half of the body. It involves injecting a local anesthetic into the spinal canal, which surrounds the spinal cord. This technique is commonly used for surgeries on the lower abdomen, pelvis, and legs, allowing patients to remain awake while feeling no pain.
The procedure is typically performed in a hospital setting by an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist. Patients may experience temporary numbness and weakness in their legs after the injection, but these effects usually wear off within a few hours. Spinal anesthesia is considered safe and effective for many surgical procedures.