Modern anaesthesia much more than simply putting a patient to sleep: experts
JAMMU / CHANDIGARH, Oct 15: “Anaesthesiologists assess a patient’s health and risks before a procedure, carefully monitor vital functions during surgery, manage pain and support recovery afterwards. Modern anaesthesia is much more than simply putting a patient to sleep.”
Dr. Y. K. Batra, senior director–anaesthesia & pain ,management at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali said,” Anaesthesia allows patients to undergo surgery and other procedures without experiencing pain or distress. Depending on the procedure and the patient’s condition, it may involve general anaesthesia, regional techniques such as spinal or epidural anaesthesia, local anaesthesia or sedation.”
The role of the anaesthesiologist begins well before surgery and continues through recovery. A detailed assessment of the patient’s medical history, medications, allergies and previous experiences with anaesthesia helps identify and manage potential risks.
Dr. Batra further said that during an operation, the anaesthesiologist continuously monitors important functions such as breathing, oxygen levels, blood pressure and heart rate. Anaesthesia is carefully adjusted according to the patient’s condition and the requirements of the surgery.
The responsibility also extends to managing unexpected situations, changes in vital signs, blood loss and other challenges that may arise during a procedure. After surgery, the anaesthesiology team continues to support the patient’s recovery and manage pain and other immediate concerns.
The contribution of anaesthesiology extends far beyond the operation theatre as anaesthesiologists play an important role in critical care, airway management, mechanical ventilation, emergency medicine and pain management, informed Dr Batra.