PATIENT EDUCATION
Printer FriendlyTHE SCOPE OF THE ANESTHESIOLOGIST'S PRACTICE
The medical expertise of this specialist has caused a
dramatic expansion of the role of the anesthesiologist. Although
historically, anesthesiologists have been known primarily as physicians who
administer anesthesia to alleviate pain and suppress consciousness of the
patient undergoing surgery, they also provide medical care and consultations
in many other settings and situations in addition to the operating room.
The anesthesiologist is the perioperative physician ("peri" meaning
"all-around") who provides medical care to each patient through his or her
surgical experience. This includes medically evaluating the patient before
surgery (preoperative), consulting with the surgical team, providing pain
control and support of life functions during surgery (intraoperative),
supervising care after surgery (postoperative) and medically discharging the
patient from the recovery unit.
1. Why is There a Preoperative Interview and When does it Occur?
Anesthesia and surgery affect your entire system, 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. 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. If you have not met your anesthesiologist
during a preoperative interview, you will meet immediately before your
surgery. At this time, your anesthesiologist will review your entire medical
chart for a clear understanding of your needs and medical condition.
2. During the Surgery, What Does my Anesthesiologist Do?
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.
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
provides a strong background in the principles of internal medicine and
critical care.
3. After Surgery, What Can I Expect?
Your anesthesiologist continues to be responsible for your
care in the recovery room, often called the post-anesthesia care unit. Here,
the anesthesiologist directs specially trained staff members who 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.
Information Adapted from the
American Society of Anesthesiologists.