Who Gives Anaesthesia?

Our extensively trained team of experts handle anaesthesia. You may be wondering which type of anaesthesia will work for you. Your doctor will determine the type of anaesthesia that suits best for you. It all depends on your health and the type of surgery you need.

If the procedure is simple and a small area needs numbing, the doctor performing it gives you a local anaesthetic.

For more complex or major surgeries, an anesthesiologist takes the lead. An anesthesiologist is a doctor trained to manage care before, during and after surgery, along with dealing with pain and handling critical care needs. These experts determine:

• Whether you are eligible for surgery. They also prepare an anaesthesia plan which will work better as per the needs of your body 
• They will give the anaesthesia and ensure it works properly on you during the surgery
• They will watch your vitals and body functions closely during the surgery
• They will be there for you to address any complications that you may develop during the surgery
• Your anaesthesiologist will have a close tab on your recovery and they will make it sure that you wake up correctly and have the right pain relief modalities after surgery.

How Can I Prepare for Anaesthesia?

To get ready, give the list of all the medicines, vitamins or supplements you take to your doctor. Certain medications might interact with anaesthesia or raise the chances of problems. Patients should also:

• Don't eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before going to the hospital unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
• Quit smoking a day before the procedure to help your lungs and heart. For better results, stop smoking two weeks before your appointment.
• Stop taking herbal supplements one to two weeks before the procedure because they could cause issues with anaesthesia or increase the chance of bleeding.
• Avoid taking erectile dysfunction pills for at least 24 hours before surgery.
• Take your regular medicines, like those for diabetes or high blood pressure if your doctor says it's okay, and use a small sip of water to take them.

What Happens During Anaesthesia?

A skilled anaesthesiologist works to keep you comfortable during surgery. Their role includes several key tasks:

• They give medicines to control issues like nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, or other complications that might happen during or after anaesthesia.
• They keep an eye on vital functions like heart rate, blood pressure, how much oxygen you have, how you're breathing, and your body temperature.
• They change anaesthetic levels depending on how your body responds and what the operation requires.
• They deal with problems like breathing problems, unusual heart rhythms, allergic responses or sudden bleeding.
• The surgical team relies on them to schedule procedures and ensure everything during the surgery goes as it should.
• They watch over you as you wake up from anaesthesia. They check to see that your recovery is calm and as pain-free as possible.
• They design pain management plans after surgery, which might include medications, nerve blocks or other treatments when needed.
• During surgery, anaesthesiologists often stay in the background. They keep you comfortable, stable, and protected from pain through the whole process.

What Side Effects Can Anaesthesia Cause?

Most people bounce back fine from anaesthesia. However, like all medical procedures, it can have side effects. These are mild and go away within a few hours or the next day.

Normal Short-term Effects:

• You might feel tired or sleepy.
• Your stomach could feel uneasy, or you might vomit.
• A mild headache is common.
• Your muscles or back might feel sore.
• Your skin could itch or show a bit of a rash.
• You may notice a scratchy throat if a breathing tube was used.
• The spot where you got the shot might hurt or swell. Bruising might show up too.
• You could have some trouble peeing for a while.

Unusual Risks:

Feeling Confused After Surgery (Delirium):

Older adults could experience a short period of confusion or feeling off after surgery. This goes away in a few days.

Weird Nerve Sensations:

Sometimes nerves can get irritated during regional anaesthesia. This irritation can cause tingling or numbness in some areas. These feelings fade within a few days, but every now and then, they can last for weeks.

Rare but Serious Issues:

Becoming Conscious During Anaesthesia:

About 1 in 1,000 patients might wake up or become aware of their surroundings while under general anaesthesia. Your anaesthesiologist will follow some steps to reduce the chance of this happening.

Lung Collapse (Atelectasis):

While placing a breathing tube during surgery collapsing of your lung may happen.

Malignant Hyperthermia:

It is a genetic condition that can cause a dangerous reaction when your doctor gives you certain anaesthetics, causing muscle rigidity and a rise in body temperature. If you or your family member has a history of an allergy or problem with anaesthesia, make sure your doctor is informed about it well in advance. 

Who Might Have More Problems with Anaesthesia?

For most of the people anaesthesia is safe, but some people might have extra risks due to their chronic medical conditions. These may include the following.

• Growing older – If you are ageing your healing after surgery might take more time, and sometimes you may feel a bit disoriented.
• Living with diabetes or kidney trouble – These conditions could affect how the body processes different medicines.
• Heart conditions, high blood pressure, or a stroke history – These issues might change blood flow or how the body manages anaesthesia.
• Lung diseases like asthma, bronchitis, or COPD – Breathing during anaesthesia can become difficult with these respiratory problems.
• Being obese (BMI over 30) – Obesity might cause breathing difficulties and complicate how anaesthesia amounts are calculated.
• Sleep apnoea - This condition causes snoring or stopping of breath during sleep and needs close attention under anaesthesia.
• Neurological problems like epilepsy or seizures – If you have epilepsy or other neurological problems your doctor will follow certain precautions.
• Smoking – Smokers have a higher risk of issues related to the heart and breathing during anaesthesia.
• If someone in your family had unusual anaesthesia problems - like malignant hyperthermia – Make sure to inform your doctor.