Patient Care
Our commitment to providing great care to our patients is our top priority. Part of doing that is to help prepare you for surgery and answer any questions you may have. See below for what to expect:
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Before Surgery
Your anesthesiologist will meet with you to perform a pre-operative evaluation of your condition and prepare a specialized anesthetic plan based on you as an individual. This is the best time to discuss any questions or concerns you have. Ensure your anesthesiologist knows your full medical history and all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take.
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During Surgery
Your anesthesiologist is responsible for keeping you comfortable and monitoring critical life functions. Blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, breathing, temperature, brain and kidney functions are continually monitored through observation and the use of sophisticated equipment. Additionally, we are responsible for diagnosing and treating any medical situations that may arise during the procedure.
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After Surgery
Your anesthesiologist continues to monitor your critical life functions. We stay with you until you have fully recovered from the anesthesia and are discharged to the next phase of post-operative care. During this time, you may be treated for any side effects from the anesthesia. Some side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, headaches, drowsiness, and shivering.
FAQs
Are there different types of anesthesia?
Yes, there are three types: general, regional and local anesthesia.
General anesthesia
General anesthesia is commonly used for extensive surgery where the patient is completely unconscious when general anesthesia is administered. This is commonly used with major surgeries involving the heart, chest, abdomen or brain. Anesthetic drugs are administered to the patient through a breathing tube, mask or vein. You remain comfortable throughout the procedure. You have no memory of the surgery upon recovering from anesthesia.
Regional anesthesia
Regional anesthesia is typically used surgeries pertaining to a specific area of the body. This is commonly used with procedures involving the arm, leg, abdomen or during childbirth. With regional anesthesia the patient may or may not be conscious. This anesthesia is administered through an injection near the area that needs numbed. IV sedatives may be utilized as well to provide additional comfort.
Local anesthesia
Local anesthesia is typically injected into tissue to create numbness when deep involvement with the body is not required. Additionally, sedatives or pain relievers may be administered to the patient as well. Minor procedures and most dental work are done through local anesthesia
Who is an anesthesiologist?
An anesthesiologist is the person responsible for administering medication that allows you to sleep through surgery and wakes you when surgery is complete. The anesthesiologist is a primary member of your healthcare team. Your anesthesiologist oversees your vital body functions throughout your surgery. An anesthesiologist is a medically trained physician (M.D. or D.O) that is licensed to practice medicine and treat medical complications. Upon completion of medical school, anesthesiologists complete an additional four years of specialty training. One year in an anesthesiology internship and an additional three years in an anesthesiology residency program. Anesthesiologists may go on to become Board Certified physicians and complete additional training in specialized areas of anesthesia such as: cardiothoracics, obstetrics, neuroscience, intensive care, pediatrics, etc.
What are the risks of general anesthesia?
There is always some associated risk with anesthesia. Risks vary among each patient and depend on many factors including your medical condition and the type of procedure you are having. The best way to manage these risk factors is to be honest and informative in working with your physician and anesthesiologist before any procedures take place. Factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea and heart disease all add an increased risk during anesthesia.
Your anesthesiologist will discuss associated risks with your anesthesia based on you as an individual. Always make sure you disclose all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, drug use and alcohol use to your physician and anesthesiologist. Anesthesiologists are held to national standards in safety and quality of anesthesia to provide the best care possible to patients. These standards were developed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Safety and quality standards continue to evolve and be developed as technology and medicine changes. For more information visit the websites of the American Society of Anesthesiologists www.asahq.org and the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation at www.apsf.org.
