World Anaesthesia Day is celebrated on October 16 to mark the first successful use of ether anaesthesia in 1846. This changed the face of surgery forever, allowing patients to undergo operations without pain.
This day is also known as World Anaesthesia Awareness Day or Ether Day, to honour the work of anaesthesiologists worldwide. It also raises awareness about the need for safe and accessible anaesthesia.
Some low-income regions still lack this basic medical service. Hospitals and organisations hold events to educate and inform. It's the day to reflect on medical progress; support global efforts for safer care.
What is the Importance of World Anaesthesia Day?
The discovery of anaesthesia changed surgery forever. It allowed doctors to perform complex procedures without causing unbearable pain. For medical professionals, it was the beginning of a new era, one where patient care, safety, and surgical success became possible on a much greater scale.
For doctors and medical students, this day highlights the vital role of anaesthesia in every field of medicine. It reminds us that no major surgery or critical care can happen without trained anaesthesia providers.
The day encourages respect and recognition for anesthesiologists, who are often unseen but essential. It also plays a role in medical education by inspiring young doctors to explore the field, understand patient safety protocols, and appreciate the science behind pain management.
Medical institutions use this day to promote learning, reflection, and advancement in anaesthesia care.
History of World Anaesthesia Day
On World Anaesthesia Day in 1846, American dentist William T.G. Morton gave ether to a patient at Massachusetts General Hospital. Surgeon John Collins Warren then removed a jaw tumour without the patient feeling pain.
This was a major turning point in medical history. It showed that surgery could be done without suffering, and it changed medicine forever.
Before this, people used herbs, alcohol, or other methods to manage pain, but with limited success.
Morton's demonstration proved that anaesthesia could work safely and reliably. It quickly led to the worldwide use of anaesthesia in surgeries. World Anaesthesia Day is not only about remembering the past. It also helps doctors, students, and hospitals reflect on how anaesthesia has grown.
From simple gases to modern machines and monitoring, anaesthesia now saves lives every day. This day reminds us how important anesthesiology is in every part of healthcare, from surgery to emergency and critical care.
World Anaesthesia Day 2025 Theme
This year, World Anaesthesia Day shines a light on a critical theme: "Anaesthesiology in Health Emergencies." In times of crisis, such as natural disasters, pandemics, conflicts, or emergencies, anaesthesia teams are often on the front line. They provide essential care, manage pain, support life-saving procedures, and stabilise patients under extreme pressure.
The 2025 theme, set by the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA), highlights the vital role of anaesthesiologists in emergency response. It calls for stronger training, better preparedness, and global support to ensure anaesthesia care remains safe and effective during emergencies.
World Anaesthesia Day, celebrated every October 16, not only honours the discovery that changed surgery forever but also reminds us of the profession's evolving role.
How is World Anaesthesia Day Celebrated?
To mark World Anaesthesia Day 2025, the WFSA and global anaesthesia communities organise a range of events to promote the theme "Anaesthesiology in Health Emergencies" while also supporting the well-being of healthcare professionals.
One of the key highlights was a global webinar focused on enhancing workforce well-being. Leading experts in anaesthesiology and mental health shared insights on preventing burnout, maintaining work-life balance, and supporting mental resilience, especially during emergencies. This event created a valuable platform for open discussion and practical strategies to strengthen the anaesthesia workforce.
To further promote wellness, an online yoga session was held, inviting healthcare workers from around the world to participate. The session focused on gentle movements and mindfulness techniques to improve both physical and mental well-being, an important reminder of self-care for those constantly caring for others.
Social media played a powerful role in uniting the global community. Anaesthesia professionals shared photos, experiences, and wellness tips using official hashtags like #WorldAnesthesiaDay and #SafeAnaesthesia, creating a sense of shared purpose and celebration. These posts showcased teamwork, innovation, and the strength of the global anaesthesia network.
Types of Anesthesia Used During Surgery
Anesthesia plays a crucial role in modern surgical procedures by eliminating pain, reducing awareness, and helping patients remain comfortable and safe throughout an operation. The type of anesthesia used depends on the type of surgery, the patient’s medical condition, and the expected duration of the procedure. Below are the four main types of anesthesia commonly used during surgery, each explained in detail:
1. General Anesthesia
General anesthesia induces a complete loss of consciousness. The patient is fully “asleep” and unaware of their surroundings or the surgical procedure. It affects the entire body and brain.
An anesthesiologist administers a combination of intravenous (IV) medications and inhaled gases (such as sevoflurane or isoflurane). These agents suppress the central nervous system, block pain, and render the patient unconscious.
When it’s used:
- Major surgeries (e.g., open-heart surgery, brain surgery, organ transplants)
- Procedures that are long, complex, or involve significant pain
- Situations where complete immobility is required
Monitoring and recovery:
Patients are closely monitored for vital signs (heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure) throughout surgery. After the procedure, patients are taken to the recovery room until they regain consciousness and vital signs stabilize.
2. Regional Anesthesia
Regional anaesthesia blocks sensation in a larger part of the body, such as an arm, leg, or the lower half of the body, while the patient remains awake or lightly sedated.
Types of regional anesthesia:
- A local anesthetic is injected directly into the spinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) in the lower back.
- It causes rapid numbness and paralysis from the waist down.
- Often used in cesarean sections, urological procedures, and lower abdominal surgeries.
- Administered into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord, usually via a catheter.
- Provides continuous pain relief without full motor blockage.
- Commonly used during childbirth and in lower-limb orthopedic surgeries.
- An anesthetic is injected near specific nerves to block sensation in a targeted area (e.g., arm, hand, or foot).
- Often used in orthopedic surgeries on limbs or minor outpatient procedures.
Advantages of regional anesthesia:
- Avoids general anesthesia and its systemic side effects
- Provides effective pain control during and after surgery
- Reduces the risk of blood clots and promotes faster recovery in some patients
3. Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia numbs a small, specific area of the body. The patient remains fully awake and alert during the procedure.
An anesthetic agent (such as lidocaine or bupivacaine) is injected directly into the tissue surrounding the surgical site. It blocks nerve signals in that localised area.
When it’s used:
- Minor skin procedures (e.g., mole removal, stitches)
- Dental surgeries (e.g., tooth extraction)
- Biopsies or small lesion removals
Advantages of local anesthesia:
- Minimal impact on the rest of the body
- Quick recovery time
- Fewer risks compared to general anesthesia
4. Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) / Conscious Sedation
Monitored Anesthesia Care involves the administration of sedatives and pain-relievers to help the patient relax while maintaining responsiveness. It may be combined with local or regional anesthesia.
Medications such as midazolam (for sedation) and fentanyl (for pain relief) are given intravenously. The patient remains drowsy and calm but can often respond to verbal commands.
When it’s used:
- Endoscopic procedures (e.g., colonoscopy, bronchoscopy)
- Minor surgeries where full anesthesia is unnecessary
- Patients who are not ideal candidates for general anesthesia
Advantages:
- Faster recovery than general anesthesia
- Fewer side effects like nausea or grogginess
- Suitable for outpatient and day-care procedures
How to Choose the Right Type of Anesthesia?
Selecting the appropriate type of anesthesia is a critical part of surgical planning. The right choice not only ensures the patient's comfort and safety during the procedure but also influences the speed and quality of recovery. This decision is made carefully by the anesthesiologist in collaboration with the surgical team, based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's health and the nature of the surgery.
Type and Complexity of the Surgery
The first and most important factor is the type of surgery being performed.
- Major surgeries that involve the chest, abdomen, brain, or spine surgery usually require general anesthesia to ensure complete unconsciousness and muscle relaxation.
- Surgeries limited to a limb or the lower part of the body, such as joint replacements or C-sections, may be effectively managed with regional anesthesia (spinal or epidural).
- Minor procedures, such as mole removals or dental work, are often done under local anesthesia, especially when the surgical field is small and pain control is straightforward.
- Endoscopic or diagnostic procedures may only need conscious sedation or Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) for patient comfort.
Patient’s Medical History and Overall Health
An individual’s medical background plays a vital role in anesthesia planning.
- Patients with heart disease, lung disorders, diabetes, or kidney issues may require specific precautions, and the choice of anesthesia may be adjusted to reduce the risk of complications.
- In some cases, regional or local anesthesia may be preferred to avoid the systemic effects of general anesthesia.
- Allergies, past reactions to anesthesia, or a history of difficult airway management are also carefully reviewed to avoid adverse events.
Age, Weight, and Body Type
Age influences both the metabolism of anesthetic drugs and the body’s response.
- Infants, elderly patients, or those with obesity may have a higher risk of complications under certain types of anesthesia.
- Adjustments in drug dosing, ventilation strategies, and monitoring are made based on age, body weight, and physical condition to ensure safety.
- In elderly patients or those with frailty, regional or local anesthesia may offer fewer side effects and a smoother recovery.
Patient Preferences and Psychological Readiness
Some patients have a strong preference to remain awake or avoid sedation, especially in cases where they’ve had previous complications or anxiety related to general anesthesia.
- In such cases, regional anesthesia or MAC may be suitable alternatives, as long as the procedure allows.
- The anesthesiology team ensures that patients are well-informed, explains all options clearly, and respects their comfort level and concerns.
Duration of the Procedure
Longer surgeries often require deeper levels of anesthesia, typically general, to maintain comfort and immobility throughout the procedure.
- Shorter or minimally invasive procedures may be completed with local or regional techniques, reducing recovery time and side effects.
- The expected post-operative pain also influences the choice—longer surgeries often benefit from regional blocks that provide extended pain relief even after the procedure is complete.
Post-Operative Recovery Goals
The speed and quality of recovery are increasingly important, especially for patients undergoing day-care surgeries or minimally invasive procedures.
- Regional and local anesthesia often allows faster discharge, less nausea, and earlier mobility.
- For patients with high-risk conditions, avoiding general anesthesia can reduce ICU stays and complications.
- Pain control after surgery is also considered—nerve blocks or epidurals may be chosen to provide sustained relief.
Surgical and Anesthetic Expertise Available
The choice may also depend on the hospital’s available expertise and infrastructure.
- For instance, certain regional blocks require ultrasound-guided techniques and highly skilled anesthesiologists.
- In specialised centres like Artemis Hospitals, advanced anesthesia monitoring, intensive care support, and multidisciplinary planning allow a wider range of options tailored to each patient.
An anesthesiologist evaluates all these factors during a pre-anesthesia assessment and recommends the safest and most effective option. Throughout the procedure, a trained team monitors the patient’s vitals, adjusts medications as needed, and ensures safety from start to finish.
When is Anaesthesia Used in Surgeries?
Anaesthesia is used in surgery to control pain and sensation. The choice of anaesthesia depends on the type of procedure, the patient's health, and their personal preferences. Here's a breakdown of when different types are used:
- General anaesthesia induces a state of complete unconsciousness, preventing any feeling or memory of the procedure. Used in case of major operations that involve vital organs like the heart or brain.
- Regional anaesthesia numbs a large, specific region of the body while the patient remains conscious or lightly sedated.
- Local anaesthesia numbs a small, precise area of the body.
- Monitored anaesthesia Care, often referred to as "twilight sleep." The patient is not fully unconscious but will have little memory of the procedure.
Why Choose Artemis Hospitals for Anaesthesia in Gurgaon?
We have built a strong anaesthesia department with a team of specialists who cover multiple subspecialties. These include paediatric, obstetric, cardiac, neurosurgical, regional, and pain-management anaesthesia.
Before surgery, anaesthesiologists at Artemis review patients' medical histories fully. They work with other speciality teams to optimise any medical issues. That helps reduce risk during emergencies.
We deliver many types of anaesthesia: local, regional (like spinal and epidural), general, monitored-care sedation, and IV sedation. Our hospital focuses on patient monitoring and safety throughout procedures. Artemis' highly trained anaesthesiologists manage vital signs and anticipate complications in real time. That's crucial during health emergencies.
Book Your Consultation at Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon
Experience world-class anaesthesia care at Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon. Our advanced technology meets expert clinical practice. Whether you're preparing for surgery, managing chronic pain, or seeking specialist consultation, the Department of Anaesthesia ensures safe, personalised, and compassionate care.
With a team of highly trained anaesthesiologists across various specialities, Artemis offers comprehensive preoperative assessments and cutting-edge monitoring for the best outcomes. Book your consultation today and take a confident step toward safer, more effective medical care. Call +91 9800400498.
Article by Dr. Rajesh Misra
Chairperson - Anaesthesia
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does an anesthesiologist do, besides "putting people to sleep"?
Anesthesiologists manage pain, monitor vital signs, ensure patient safety during surgery, and provide critical care and pain management before, during, and after procedures.
How has the role of an anesthesiologist changed since the first public demonstration of ether in 1846?
Since 1846, anesthesiologists have evolved into perioperative and critical care specialists, using advanced techniques and technology to manage complex surgeries and emergencies.
What types of subspecialties exist within anesthesiology?
Subspecialties include cardiac, neuro, pediatric, obstetric, regional, pain management, and critical care anesthesiology.
What is the difference between an anesthesiologist, a nurse anaesthetist (CRNA), and an anesthesiologist assistant (AA)?
Anesthesiologists are medical doctors; CRNAs are advanced-practice nurses; AAs are trained assistants. All work in anaesthesia teams, but with different training levels and roles.
How has anaesthesia safety improved over the years?
Safety has improved through better drugs, advanced monitoring, standardised protocols, and specialised training, making anaesthesia safer than ever.
What advancements in monitoring technology have made anaesthesia safer?
Modern monitors track heart rate, oxygen, CO2, blood pressure, and brain activity (BIS), allowing real-time adjustments and early detection of problems.
What is the current state of access to safe anaesthesia worldwide?
Over 5 billion people lack access to safe, affordable anaesthesia, especially in low-resource countries, due to shortages in trained staff and equipment.
Is it possible to wake up or be aware during surgery under general anaesthesia?
Awareness during general anaesthesia is extremely rare, thanks to strict monitoring, proper dosing, and safety protocols.
Which is the best anaesthesia hospital near me?
Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon, is a top choice for advanced, multidisciplinary anaesthesia care with expert teams and state-of-the-art facilities.
How do I book an appointment with an anesthesiologist?
Visit the Artemis Hospitals website or call their appointment line to schedule a consultation with a specialist in the anaesthesia department.
