What is anaesthesia & Who is an anaesthetist ?
Anaesthesia is treatment with medicines called anaesthetics. These medicines make sure that you do not feel pain during medical procedures. Anaesthetists are doctors who administer anaesthetics and treat pain. Some anaesthetics only numb a small area of the body. A general anaesthetic makes you unconscious (asleep) during invasive surgical procedures. It is a common misconception that an anaesthetist is a doctor who "puts patients to sleep" before an operation. This is only a small part of his work. In fact, he plays a prominent role in your surgical experience and even in pain control. He has many other roles outside the operating room. Let us look at these in detail.
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Before the surgery:
An anaesthetist must check the patient, assess his/ her health, optimise the patient's vitals, and plan a specific anaesthetic suitable for the patient. It is called PAC (Pre Anaesthesia Check). Only when this has been done is the patient ready for the operation.
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During the surgery :
In the operating theatre, the anaesthetist is responsible for the safety of the patient throughout the surgical Procedure. The primary roles of an anesthesiologist during surgery are to:
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Provide continuous medical assessment of the patient.
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Monitor and control the patient's vital functions, including heart rate and rhythm, respiration, blood pressure, body temperature and fluid balance.
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Control the patient's pain and state of consciousness to create ideal conditions for a safe and successful surgery.
Anaesthetists are fully trained to understand patients' needs and make the best decisions for their overall health and safety.
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After the surgery :
After surgery, patients will be shifted to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit or Intensive Care Unit, where specialised nurses, anaesthetists or other doctors will continue to monitor the patient's condition and the effects of anaesthesia. They also monitor every vital of patient during the patient's transport. They are always prepared and ready to respond to emergencies throughout the patient's transport.
What is Pain management ?
Anaesthetists, also known as pain physicians, are trained to treat pain during and after surgery. Surgical pain or pain after an injury is commonly called acute pain. It usually goes away over time as the body heals. Pain that lasts longer than expected is chronic pain. Chronic pain can be due to trauma, such as a nerve injury, or a disease process, such as cancer or diabetes. Some anaesthetists complete an additional year of specialist training and become certified in Pain Medicine. They are especially qualified to treat and care for patients with acute and chronic pain. This way, they avoid patients having to take multiple painkillers, which are associated with many side effects.