Before your surgery, you will meet your anesthesiologist; a physician specialist, who has the critical responsibility for your welfare during, and immediately after you undergo surgery. Many people are apprehensive about surgery or anesthesia. If you are well-informed and know what to expect, you will be better prepared and more relaxed. Talk with your anesthesiologist. Ask questions. Discuss any concerns you might have about your planned anesthetic care. Your anesthesiologist is not only your advocate but also the physician uniquely qualified and experienced to make your surgery and recovery as safe and comfortable as possible .a
May I choose my anesthesiologist ?t
Why is there a preoperative interview ?w
What are the types of anesthesia ?a
During the surgery, what does my anesthesiologist do ?o
After surgery, what can I expect ?a
Who are anesthesiologists ?a
Today's
anesthesiologists are physicians who complete a four-year college program, four
years of graduate doctoral training and at least four more years of
anesthesiology residency training. They apply their knowledge of medicine to
fulfill their primary role in the operating room, which is not only to ensure
your comfort during surgery, but also to make informed medical judgments to
protect you. These include treating and regulating changes in your critical life
functions - breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure - as they are affected by
the surgery being performed. These medical specialists are the doctors who will
immediately diagnose and treat any medical problems that might arise during your
surgery or recovery period .a
May I choose my anesthesiologist ?a
Your
surgeon may refer you to an anesthesiologist or you may select one based on a
personal recommendation or based on your own previous experience. However, you
must make that choice known in advance so that arrangements may be made to honor
your request. Since your anesthesiologist is responsible for your comfort,
safety and medical care during surgery, you will meet him/her before your
surgery .a
Why is there a preoperative interview ?a
Anesthesia
and surgery affect your entire body and all its systems, so it is important for
your anesthesiologist to know as much about you as possible. During a
preoperative visit, an anesthesiologist will carefully evaluate you and your
medical history and will inquire about your recent medications. Your
anesthesiologist will review your entire medical chart for a clear understanding
of your medical condition. In addition, this physician will inform you about the
procedures associated with your surgery, discuss the anesthetic choices, their
risks and benefits, order appropriate laboratory tests and prescribe medication
for you, if needed, before your
operation .a
What are the types of anesthesia ?a
There
are three main categories of anesthesia: general, regional and local anesthesia
with intravenous sedation. With general anesthesia, you are unconscious and have
no awareness of the surgical procedure or other sensations. If you have regional
anesthesia, your anesthesiologist injects medication near a cluster of nerves to
numb only the area of your body that requires surgery. You may remain awake or
you may be given a sedative. For some surgical procedures, a local anesthetic
may be injected into the skin and tissues to numb a specific location. Your
anesthesiologist, in consultation with your surgeon, will determine the best
type of anesthesia for you, taking your desires into consideration whenever
possible. These options will be discussed during your preoperative interview
with the anesthesiologist .a
During the surgery, what does my anesthesiologist do ?a
Your
anesthesiologist is personally responsible for your comfort and well-being
before, during and after your surgical procedure. In the operating room, the
anesthesiologist will direct your anesthesia and manage vital functions,
including heart rate, blood pressure, heart rhythm, body temperature and
breathing. The anesthesiologist also is responsible for fluid and blood
replacement, when necessary. He or she will regulate the anesthesia so that you
will be comfortable until your anesthetic care is completed .a
Frequently,
people requiring surgery may have other medical conditions, such as diabetes,
asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis or heart problems. Because of your
preoperative evaluation, your anesthesiologist will be alert to these conditions
and well-prepared to treat them during your surgery and immediately afterward.
Your continued medical management during surgery is necessary to help you have a
speedy recovery. As doctors, anesthesiologists are uniquely qualified to treat
not only sudden medical problems related to surgery itself, but also your
chronic conditions that may need special attention during your procedure. This
is because their medical training includes a background in the principles of
internal medicine and critical care .a
After surgery, what can I expect ?a
Your
anesthesiologist continues to be responsible for your care in the recovery room,
often called the post anesthesia care unit (PACU). Here, specially trained
nurses will continue to monitor your condition and vital signs as the effects of
the anesthesia wear off. Your anesthesiologist will determine when you are able
to leave the recovery room .a
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Consultant in perioperative care and intensive therapy