Anesthesiology

What does the anesthesiologist deal with? 

• The duties of the anesthesiologist, also known as an anesthetist, include alleviating and eliminating pain during and after surgery and monitoring and balancing the patient's vital signs. The anesthesiologist is also an intensive care specialist experienced in the care of critically ill patients in intensive care units. 
• With the involvement of the surgeon and in the light of the results from the preoperative examinations and preparation, the relationship between the surgical risk and the quality of life obtained as a result of the surgery can be determined, thus helping the patient to make a decision on whether to undergo surgery. 
• Provides the fullest and safest pain relief for the patient during surgery. 
• Helps to select the appropriate anesthetic method and ensures that patients' vital signs (respiration rate, circulation, secretion, coagulation) remain stable during the procedure. 
• Determines what measures are needed before surgery. 
• Determines what treatments are needed during and after surgical interventions to ensure that the patient meets the conditions to be safely discharged as soon as possible. 

What anesthesia procedures can an anesthesiologist use? 

• General anesthesia or, 
• Conductive anesthesia (spinal/epidural analgesia, plexus block, local anesthesia) 

General anesthesia 

In this form of anesthesia, the patient loses consciousness and the ability to feel pain due to the anesthetic and analgesic effects, given intravenously or by inhalation, delivered into the bloodstream. In many cases, it is also necessary to relax the patient's muscles, hence muscle relaxants may be administered. In this case, the respiratory muscles do not function either, so mechanical respiration is required during the operation. By the end of the surgery, the effect of the anesthetic disappears, and the patient's consciousness and breathing return automatically. General anesthesia can be used in surgical, otolaryngological, urological, plastic surgery, orthopedic and also gynecological operations. 

Spinal anesthesia (spinal/epidural) 

The anesthesiologist uses a thin needle to inject the anesthetic into the appropriate part of the spine so that the analgesic effect can be achieved by blocking the spinal nerve endings. In this case, the patient remains conscious throughout. During spinal anesthesia, complete anesthesia and immobility occur in the lower abdomen and lower extremities for 4-6 hours. It is mainly used in cesarean section, gynecological, orthopedic and urological surgeries. 

Epidural analgesia is mainly used in obstetrics. During labor, we can continuously administer the analgesic through a thin cannula, the effect of which is not as strong as that of the spinal anesthetic. 

Plexus block 

The anesthesiologist injects the anesthetic, with the help of an ultrasound, through a thin needle around the nerve network that supplies the part of the body to be operated on, so that that part of the body can be anesthetized in isolation. Anesthesia can be supplemented with intravenous sedation so that the patient does not perceive any unpleasant movements or noises. It is mainly used in our orthopedic procedures. 

Local (infiltration) anesthesia 

This anesthetic effect acts directly on the sensory nerve ending and in its immediate vicinity. It can be used to remove superficial lesions in non-invasive surgical procedures. The patient remains awake throughout the surgery and anesthetic is given to the patient by the surgeon as an injection under the skin. 

What happens during the anesthesiology consultation? 

During the consultation, the anesthesiologist will thoroughly interview the patient about his or her past and present illnesses, the medication used, any previous surgeries, and any known drug sensitivity and allergies. This information is essential for selecting the optimal mode of anesthesia and for assessing and minimizing the risk of surgery and anesthesia. If necessary, depending on the surgical procedure and any existing diseases, additional specialist examinations may be arranged to achieve the best possible surgical outcome. 

How should you prepare for the examination? 

It is not necessary to arrive on an empty stomach for the examination. It is important that you bring all your previous medical records and a list of the medications you are currently taking.