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Balanced anesthesia is characterized by the use of a combination of inhalation and intravenous drugs to achieve optimal anesthesia for surgical procedures. This approach allows for a more controlled anesthetic experience by utilizing the unique advantages of both types of agents.

Inhalation agents provide rapid induction and adjustment of anesthetic depth, while intravenous drugs can offer a quicker onset and might be used for analgesia or sedation. By balancing these agents, healthcare providers can minimize the side effects associated with high doses of either method alone and enhance patient comfort during the procedure.

Other types of anesthesia, such as spinal and regional, focus primarily on specific areas of the body and involve different techniques that do not incorporate both inhalation and intravenous drugs in the same manner. Sedation typically refers to a lighter state of consciousness achieved through medication alone, without full anesthetic effects, making it distinct from the combined approach of balanced anesthesia.