CHICAGO – Ketamine given during C-sections could help ease early symptoms of postpartum depression. Common pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, may reduce the risk of delirium after surgery. Patients who take sleep medication before surgery may sleep better, have less pain and use fewer opioids after surgery. And cannabis use may increase the risk of a heart attack around the time of surgery but lower the risk of postsurgical blood clots. These findings and other timely research will be presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2026, the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), Oct. 16-20, in San Diego.
ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2026 is the specialty’s premier event offering:
- Breaking research and newsworthy discoveries from more than 1,000 scientific abstracts shaping the future of anesthesiology and patient care.
- More than 350 educational sessions and panels covering the specialty's hottest topics, including nonoperating-room anesthesia, non-opioid acute and chronic pain management, patient blood management, physician well-being, workforce trends, the latest on specialized care for obstetric and pediatric patients, artificial intelligence in anesthesiology and more.
- A keynote address from social media star Will Flanary, M.D. (also known as Dr. Glaucomflecken) – drawing on his experiences as a physician, humorist and survivor of cancer and cardiac arrest. With his signature wit and insight, he will explore the U.S. healthcare system and the importance of humanity in medicine.
- An interactive exhibit hall featuring live demonstrations and opportunities to explore the latest tools, technologies and solutions advancing patient safety, with leading innovators and experts from across the specialty.
What: ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2026
When: Oct. 16-20
Where: San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
How to Register: Email pr@asahq.org with your press credentials or a letter of assignment.
Join the Conversation: You can join the conversation on social media by using #ANES26.
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS
Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research and scientific society with more than 60,000 members organized to advance the medical practice of anesthesiology and secure its future. ASA is committed to ensuring anesthesiologists evaluate and supervise the medical care of all patients before, during, and after surgery. ASA members also lead the care of critically ill patients in intensive care units, as well as treat pain in both acute and chronic settings.
For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists online at asahq.org. To learn more about how anesthesiologists help ensure patient safety, visit asahq.org/madeforthismoment. Follow ASA on Facebook, X, Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.
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