Anesthesiologist

An anesthesiologist is a physician who administers anesthesia during operations and other medical procedures. An anesthesiologist also monitors the patient during and after surgery. Other names include anesthetist and anesthesiologist. Anesthesia literally means 'making insensitive'.

What does an anesthesiologist do?

The anesthesiologist ensures that your brain no longer receives pain signals, so you do not feel pain. During surgery, the anesthesiologist monitors vital functions such as the heart and lungs so that they continue to work properly. This allows the surgeon to focus on the procedure. The anesthesiologist intervenes when necessary and works closely with other physicians and surgeons.

Duties include:

• Administering local or general anesthesia during surgery or examinations.
• Administering pain medication.
• Supporting body functions such as circulation and breathing.
• Assessing possible risks before surgery.
• Administering an epidural for painless childbirth.
• Monitoring patients in the intensive care unit.
• Providing assistance in acute life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest.
• Managing chronic pain.
• Placing pain pumps that provide continuous anesthesia and can be controlled by the patient.
• Placing catheters to administer medication over a longer period.

How do you see an anesthesiologist?

You usually see an anesthesiologist because you are being treated by another doctor. An anesthesiologist is present during surgery to provide local or general anesthesia. If you have chronic pain and other therapies or medications do not work sufficiently, you may receive a referral from a primary care physician or another medical specialist. The anesthesiologist then manages the pain treatment.

What is an appointment with an anesthesiologist like?

The surgery is prepared during the appointment. The anesthesiologist asks about physical or psychological conditions that may affect anesthesia or pain medication.
Additional tests may be performed to assess your health, including:

• Physical examination.
• ECG.
• Lung function test.
• Blood tests.
• Imaging (ultrasound, X-ray, MRI scan, CT scan).

Based on the results, the anesthesiologist discusses the safest and best type of anesthesia or pain medication. Options include:

• General anesthesia, during which you are fully unconscious and unaware of the procedure. It is administered through an IV or by inhaling anesthetic gases. You receive a sleep medication, painkiller and muscle relaxant.
• Sedation, during which a smaller amount of anesthetic makes you sleepy. You are not fully unconscious but do not feel anything.
• Local anesthesia administered by injection, making only a small part of the body numb.
• An epidural that numbs the lower half of the body.
• A combination of local and general anesthesia to reduce pain after the procedure.
• Pain medication administered by pill, IV or injection.
• Other pain treatments such as nerve blocks and TENS.

How can you prepare for your first visit to an anesthesiologist?

• Write down your symptoms, medications and physical or psychological conditions beforehand. Also write down your questions.
• Bring someone with you. A lot of information is provided during the visit, and two people hear and remember more than one.
• If you know which tests will be performed, take them into account when choosing your clothing.