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Who are anesthesiologists?
May I choose my anesthesiologist?
Why is there a preoperative interview?
What are the types of anesthesia?
During the surgery, what does my anesthesiologist do?
Will I receive a separate bill from
the anesthesiologist?
Before your surgery, you will meet an important physician
specialist -- your anesthesiologist. A vital member of the
surgical team, your anesthesiologist has the critical responsibility
for your welfare when you undergo anesthesia. The anesthesiologist
is your advocate in the operating room.
Who are anesthesiologists?
Today's anesthesiologists are physicians who complete a
four-year college program, four years of graduate doctoral
training and four more years of anesthesiology residency.
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, 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.
The role of an anesthesiologist extends beyond the operating
room and recovery room. Anesthesiologists work in intensive
care units to help restore critically ill patients to stable
condition. In childbirth, anesthesiologists manage the care
of two persons: they provide pain relief for the mother
while managing the life functions of both the mother and
the baby. Anesthesiologists are also involved in pain management,
including diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic problems.
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May I choose my anesthesiologist?
You usually have a choice as to who your anesthesiologist
will be. 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, it is important that you meet before entering
the operating room.
Why is there a preoperative interview?
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.
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What are the types of anesthesia?
There are three main categories of anesthesia: general,
regional and local. 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.
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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.
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After surgery, what can I expect?
Your anesthesiologist continues to be responsible for your
care in the recovery room, often called the postanesthesia
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.
Will I receive a separate bill from
the anesthesiologist?
Your anesthesiologist is a physician specialist like your
surgeon or internist, and you probably will receive a bill
for your anesthesiologist's professional service as you would
from your other physicians. If you have any financial concerns,
your anesthesiologist or an office staff member will answer
your questions. You will note that your hospital charges separately
for the medications and equipment used for your anesthetic.
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.
© Copyright 1999 by the American Society
of Anesthesiologists
All rights reserved.
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