Introduction – World Anesthesia Day is observed on October 16 every year worldwide to honor the maiden successful demonstration of anesthesia that occur in the year 1846. Anesthesia signifies the state of temporary impairment of awareness that helps in painless surgical procedures. Anesthesia is used for the patient to be unconscious during surgery.

This international day is also called as National Anesthesia Day or Ether Day in several countries as one of the most important events in the history of medicine.

Types of Anesthesia – There are three types of anesthesia that can be used in the medical industry are discussed below –

• Local Anesthesia – This type of anesthesia is used for minor surgeries in a specific part of the body. In this type of anesthesia, the duration of this anesthesia is also relatively less.
• Regional Anesthesia – This type of anesthesia is used to numb a larger portion of the body such as the abdomen.
• General Anesthesia – This type of anesthesia leaves the patient unconscious with relaxed muscles and is rendered by either inhalation or injection.

History – World Anesthesia Day is observed on October 16 annually for the first official successful demonstration of anesthesia that heralded the era of the practice of anesthesiology on October 16 worldwide. There are several events are organized to commemorate World Anesthesia Day. World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists (WFSA) celebrated this day annually and about 150 countries have participated in the celebrations.

Significance – World Anesthesia Day is one of the most important days that marked the discovery to obtain the benefits of surgical treatment without pain for patients. On this day, there are several events are organized all around the world. World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists celebrated this day every year on October 16. There are about 134 societies of anesthesiologists from worldwide and celebrate this international day that marks their presence at the event.