Anesthesiology

 

Anesthesiologists are physicians that have years of specialty training in anesthesia after completing medical school. 

They are specialists in assessing, consulting and preparing patients for anesthesia; eliminating the patient's 

sensitivity to pain during surgery; monitoring and restoring blood pressure, oxygenation, heart rhythm 

and temperature during and immediately after surgery. They also diagnose and treat pain syndromes.

 

See below for the different services the team provides.

 

Portrait of a woman with cancer and her doctor

Anesthesia means not feeling pain as a result of the use of medications. The type of anesthesia you receive during your procedure depends on your medical condition and the type of surgery you are having. It is administered by an anesthesiologist who is a medical doctor specially trained in anesthesiology. These specialists are very knowledgeable about the effect of medications and the body's response to surgery. 

 

During your procedure, the anesthesiologist is focused solely on your anesthesia care and stays with you during the entire surgery. They monitor your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. After your surgery, they will supervise your recovery and your initial pain control after the operation. 

 

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is used to numb or freeze a small part of your body. You are awake and conscious of what is happening, but do not feel any pain. It is common to feel pressure or tugging during the operation. 

 

If you feel any discomfort or pain at all during this type of anesthesia, let your care provider know immediately. It is our commitment to ensure you have a safe, comfortable and positive surgical experience.

 

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is a controlled state of consciousness. You may undergo this either through medication injected into your intravenous (IV) or by breathing anesthetic gas from a mas. Once you are asleep, a breathing tube is inserted into your mouth and this helps you breathe while you are under. 

 

Sedation

This refers to medications used to make you feel mentally and physically relaxed. They may be given through your IV.

 

Regional Anesthesia

Regional anesthesia, may also be referred to as a nerve blocker or blocks, is when local anesthetic (freezing) is injected near a large bundle of nerves so that the larger parts of the body are "frozen" (e.g., have no sensation). Examples of blocks include epidural, spinal (lower half of body is frozen), and upper limb blocks (such as having one arm frozen for a surgical procedure).

Anesthesia and the type used may affect people differently. Adverse effects or serious complications are very rare, but the possibility exists. This can vary depending on your health beforehand and the seriousness of your operation. IN most cases, patients will likely feel nausea and a sore throat if a breathing tube was inserted. These symptoms usually last a day or so. Other symptoms may include pain and/or bruising at the injection site or headaches. Damage to your teeth may happen but is uncommon. These are easily treatable and recover quickly. The more serious complications are rare.

 

Very Common (1 in 10) to Common (1 in 100) Risks

  • Feeling sick/nauseous and vomiting
  • Sore throat, hoarse voice
  • Dizziness, blurred vision
  • Headache
  • Itching
  • Pain during injection
  • Temporary confusion or memory loss

Uncommon (1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000) Risks

  • Chest infection
  • Difficulty with bladder control
  • Muscular pain
  • Slow breathing
  • Jaw joint pain
  • Damage to teeth, lips, gums (this may occur during intubation and may be considered a risk associated with intubation)
  • Awareness (becoming conscious during anesthesia

Rare (1 in 10,000) to very rare (1 in 100,000) Risks

  • Damage to eyes
  • Serious allergy to medications
  • Nerve damage
  • Stroke
  • Heart attach
  • Death

For more information, contact your care provider or surgeon's office if you have questions or concerns related to anesthesia for your procedure.

Most healthy patients will see their anesthesiologist on the day of their surgery. However, depending on the type of procedure you are having, you may have a pre-op clinic appointment. Part of this appointment may include an opportunity to meet with your anesthesiologist. Patients with medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or asthma, are often seen by the anesthesiologist before the day of their surgery. In some cases, this may include a pre-op anesthesia consult, arranged by your care provider(s). 

Depending on the type of surgery you are having, certain instructions may follow. You, however, can prepare for your surgery by improving your general physical condition to help you heal faster after the operation. To learn more, visit: Preparing for an Inpatient Procedure.

Your anesthesiologist may wish to know details about your overall health and full medical history. They may want to know: 

  • If you are taking any prescription, non-prescription, recreational substances, and/or natural remedies. It is important you disclose this information, especially recreational substances or weight loss medications. 
  • If you have any allergies
  • If and/or how much you smoke/vape and/or consume alcohol
  • If you have a family history of unusual reactions to anesthesia (i.e., yourself or a close family member)
  • If you have a history of dental work (i.e., loose teeth, dentures, false teeth, caps or crowns)
  • If you have any significant neck, jaw, joint, or back problems. 

Your medical condition and medications you take will be reviewed with you in the pre-op clinic appointment on the day of your visit or on the day of your surgery. For specific questions, please contact your care provider. 

You will receive instructions to follow from the nurse, in the pre-op clinic (if applicable to your operation), or from your surgeon's office. These guidelines are important for your safety. Under anesthesia, some people may regurgitate or vomit. This material from your stomach can enter your lungs and result in serious lung damage or even death. If you do not follow the instructions given to you, your surgery may be postponed or cancelled. 

Following your surgery, you will be given pain medication. As you were under anesthesia, you will be taken to the Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU), otherwise known as the recovery room. A PACU nurse will assess you and provide appropriate care while you are coming out of the anesthesia. If you are a patient being admitted for an overnight stay at the hospital, you will be taken to your room after your stay in PACU. 

 

You must not drive, operate any machinery, or make important decisions for at least 24 hours after leaving PACU. 

At your pre-op clinic appointment, different types of anesthesia may be discussed. The type of anesthesia you receive depends on many factors including the type of surgery and any medical interventions that are required. They will need a different level of numbness or unconsciousness. Your age, weight, health conditions, and allergies can also influence the type of anesthesia. Anesthesia needs to be appropriate for the surgery, as the less invasive it is, the less risks and improved recover you will have. 

 

Your comfort, safety, and the success of the operation are important to us.